Niger Governor Introduces Sermon Approval, Licensing for Preachers
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has introduced a new policy requiring religious clerics to submit their sermons for approval before preaching in public. The initiative also includes a preacher licensing system aimed at regulating religious messaging across the state.
Speaking on TVC's Politics on Sunday, Governor Bago defended the move, saying it’s intended to prevent inciting or anti-government sermons.
“You can’t just go out and preach messages that are anti-people or anti-government and think that’s normal,” he said.
The policy will be enforced with the support of security agencies including the DSS, police, NSCDC, and the military. Bago compared the approach to practices in Saudi Arabia and emphasized that evangelism itself is not banned.
“We only ask that anyone going to deliver a sermon submit it for review. It’s not unusual,” he added.
Earlier this month, Umar Farooq, head of the state’s Religious Affairs department, confirmed that all preachers must secure licenses within two months. Applicants will be screened by a panel before being cleared to preach.
“Anyone who wants to preach must obtain a license,” Farooq said. “There will be a form, an interview, and a vetting process.”
The policy has sparked debate over its potential impact on freedom of religion and expression.
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