‘Bring Your Sermons to Me for Approval’ – Niger Gov Orders Religious Preachers

The Niger State Government has established a new policy requiring religious preachers to submit sermons for approval before delivering them publicly.

Governor Umar Bago confirmed the decision during an appearance on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, noting that the policy aims to avoid harmful or incendiary communications.

“I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going for sermon on Friday, he should bring his scriptures for review, and it’s normal. Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done,” Bago said.

“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.”

The governor added that security agencies would collaborate with the state to enforce the policy.

“It’s in that direction. We want to be able to see what they are preaching, hear what they are saying. We are working together with security agencies; the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military,” he said.

In addition to sermon approvals, the state is also introducing a licensing system for preachers. Earlier this month, Umar Farooq, head of Niger State Religious Affairs, said clerics must obtain licences within two months.

“It is true, the state government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months.

“All they need to do is to 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 said.

(Daily Sun)