Niger Gov Orders Preachers to Submit Sermons for Approval

 Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has said that preachers in the state must submit their sermons for approval before preaching

The governor made this remark while speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday on September 14, 2025, clarifying aspects of a law aiming to regulate religious preaching in the state.

He insisted that this is not a ban on evangelism, but a measure meant to prevent anti-people or antigovernmental messages. “Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done,” he said, as justification.

 The state will work with security agencies (DSS, Police, NSCDC, military) to monitor what is preached.

The Director General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, said that anyone wishing to preach must obtain a licence. Preachers have a two-month period to comply.

The process involves visiting the Bureau of Religious Affairs, filling out a form, then going before a screening panel.

Religious leaders have raised issues. For example, Bashir Yankuzo, Chief Imam at Federal University of Technology, Minna, argued that preaching is a religious obligation and the government cannot dictate who can or cannot preach.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, said it was not formally informed of the ban/licensing policy and will make a statement once more information is made available.