Niger State Governor Umar Bago has declared it mandatory for preachers to submit their sermons for review before delivering them, aiming to curb anti-government or inflammatory content amid security concerns.

Bago clarified the policy on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, stating, “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.”

He explained the measure addresses indoctrination risks, with collaboration from the Department of State Services (DSS), police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and military to monitor messages. “We cannot say because you have been given the opportunity to be a cleric, you will go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government and you think it’s normal,” Bago adds.

The announcement follows Niger’s Religious Affairs Director General Umar Farooq’s earlier statement requiring licenses for preaching within two months, involving form submission and panel screening.

Chief Imam of Federal University of Technology Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, supports regulating abusive preaching but opposes government dictation, saying, “The government is not paying anyone for doing the job; people are preaching in order to earn the pleasure of God.”

Christian Association of Nigeria Secretary Raphael Opawoye notes the group’s unawareness and awaits official notification. Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja calls it an infringement on religious rights, suggesting penalties for incitement instead.