The Niger state government has ignited a fresh controversy after ordering a ban on all forms of public religious preaching in the state. Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago directed that all religious preachers must obtain a licence within the next two months to preach publicly.
Umar Farooq, Director-General of Niger State Religious Affairs, confirmed the directive in an interview with The Punch, explaining that preachers are required to obtain forms from the agency and undergo a screening panel before being cleared to preach.
“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,” Farooq stated.
The announcement has drawn strong reactions from religious leaders. Bashir Yankuzo, Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, argued that while the government can regulate preaching for security reasons, it cannot dictate who can preach to whom.
“The government cannot dictate who to preach to and who not to preach. But at the same time, if there are people who are going out of their way to cause security threats, regulation is understandable,” he said.
Raphael Opawoye, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, revealed that the group was not aware of the new directive, highlighting concerns over a lack of consultation with religious bodies.
This move mirrors similar efforts in other states. In Anambra, Governor Charles Soludo banned loud preaching in marketplaces, citing noise pollution and public disturbance. Offenders face fines of up to ₦500,000, as part of the state’s bid to regulate public spaces and curb fake pastors.
The ban comes amid other high-profile actions by Governor Bago, including the closure of Badeggi FM radio station and the suspension of traditional Sallah events, moves that have attracted criticism from civil society groups and international organizations like Amnesty International.
Governor Bago has remained a visible figure in Niger politics, recently endorsing President Tinubu as the sole APC candidate and even dancing to the praise song Omo Ologo at a political event in Minna, the state capital.
The directive banning public preaching has intensified debates over religious freedom, governance, and the boundaries of state control in Niger State.
