Niger State has mandated clerics to submit sermons for vetting and obtain licences to preach, a policy Governor Bago says is meant to curb inciteful messages.
The Niger State Government has introduced a controversial policy requiring religious preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them in public.
Governor Umar Bago confirmed the measure during a live appearance on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, insisting it was aimed at curbing inciteful or divisive messages. “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,” Bago said.
He stressed that the state would not tolerate clerics using pulpits to spread anti-government or harmful rhetoric. “We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the DSS, the Police, NSCDC and the military,” he added.
The government also announced a licensing system, requiring all clerics to obtain permits within two months, a move critics say could infringe on religious freedoms.