Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has unveiled a new policy requiring religious clerics to submit their sermons for government approval before delivering them publicly.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago defended the move, insisting it was aimed at curbing harmful or inciting preaching.
He added that the government would not allow sermons that are “anti-people” or “anti-government,” noting that security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the military, would help enforce the policy.
In addition to sermon vetting, the state is also rolling out a preacher licensing system.
“I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done,” he said.
“We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal.”
“It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military,” he added.
Governor Bago announced that, alongside sermon approvals, the state will also implement a licensing system for preachers.
Earlier this month, Umar Farooq, head of Niger State Religious Affairs, stated that clerics must secure licences within two months.
“It is true, the state government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months.
“All they need to do is visit our office, get, and fill out the form. After which, they will have to face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” Farooq added.
