Policy Clarification by Governor Bago
Niger State Governor Umar Bago has defended the new policy regulating religious preaching, stressing that it is not a ban on evangelism but a safeguard against hate speech, indoctrination, and anti-government messages. Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday on September 14, 2025, Bago explained that preachers will be required to submit their sermons for government review before public delivery. He likened the approach to practices in Saudi Arabia and highlighted the involvement of security agencies, including the DSS, Police, NSCDC, and the military, in monitoring compliance. According to him, the goal is to prevent sermons that undermine social cohesion or encourage hostility towards the government.
Implementation and Licensing Process
The policy builds on an earlier announcement in early September 2025 by Umar Farooq, Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs. Farooq introduced a temporary suspension of religious preaching until clerics obtain licenses through a formal process. This procedure requires the submission of application forms and evaluation by screening panels, with a two-month window for compliance. The government insists the directive is necessary to curb incitement and radical ideologies that could destabilize communities, while ensuring greater oversight of religious content.
Reactions and Criticism
The move has, however, sparked controversy across religious circles. Critics argue that the regulation amounts to an infringement on religious freedom. Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja, among others, contends that the state should focus on sanctioning individuals guilty of hate preaching rather than imposing blanket restrictions on all clerics. Opponents warn that the directive could create mistrust between the government and faith communities, while advocates maintain it is a necessary step to ensure peace and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
