Sh*ckwave In Niger! Govt Orders Preachers To Submit Sermons For Approval

The Niger State Government has introduced a controversial new policy requiring religious preachers to submit their sermons for official approval before addressing their congregations.

Governor Umar Bago confirmed the development during an interview on Politics on Sunday, aired on TVC.

Clarifying the policy, Bago said:

“I didn’t ban evangelism. For everyone going to the sermon on Friday, they should bring their scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done.”

He explained that the measure is designed to prevent harmful or inciteful messages that could undermine peace, unity, or governance.

“We cannot say because you are a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government, and think it’s normal,” he added.

The governor disclosed that security agencies—including the DSS, Police, NSCDC, and the military—will work with the state government to monitor the content of sermons.

“We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying,” he stressed.

In addition to the sermon approval process, the government has also introduced a licensing requirement for preachers.

Earlier this month, the head of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, announced that clerics have two months to comply with the new licensing directive.

“It is true, the State Government has banned unlicensed preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence within the next two months. All they need to do is visit our office, obtain and complete the form, then face a screening panel before they can begin preaching,” Farooq said.