Governor Bago Introduces Preaching License, Mandates Sermon Approval

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has announced a controversial new policy requiring religious clerics to submit their sermons for government approval before delivering them publicly. The move, he says, is aimed at preventing the spread of inciting or anti-government rhetoric.

Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Governor Bago defended the decision, stating that the policy is not a ban on religious preaching but a necessary step to ensure messages delivered in places of worship are not “anti-people” or “anti-government.”

“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,” Bago said.

To enforce the policy, the state government will collaborate with key security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the military.

Alongside sermon approvals, a new licensing system for religious preachers is being rolled out. Preachers will be required to register with the state’s Religious Affairs department and obtain a licence before delivering sermons publicly.

Confirming the development, Umar Farooq, head of Niger State Religious Affairs, said the government has given clerics two months to comply with the licensing requirement.

“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 stated.

Source: Sahara Reporters