Governor Umar Bago of Niger State says preachers must submit sermons for approval, a policy that has sparked mixed reactions across religious groups.
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has defended a new policy requiring preachers to submit sermons for review, insisting it is not a ban on evangelism but a measure to safeguard peace.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago said, “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. We cannot… preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal.”
He explained the law was introduced to prevent indoctrination, stressing that security agencies including the DSS, Police, NSCDC, and the military are involved.
The Director General of the Religious Affairs Board, Umar Farooq, earlier said preachers must obtain licences within two months, facing a panel before approval.
Reactions have been divided: Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja described the policy as “an infringement of freedom of worship,” while Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) officials said they were not officially informed.