Nigerian Governor Orders Preachers To Submit Sermons for Approval
- Governor Umar Mohammed Bago has ordered Islamic preachers to submit religious sermons for approval in Niger state
- He said it is compulsory for preachers to submit their sermons to the state government for approval
- The All Progressives Congress (APC) governor explained the reason for ordering preachers to submit sermons for approval
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Minna, Niger state - Governor Umar Bago has made the submission of sermons for approval by preachers’ compulsory in Niger state
Governor Bago said it is compulsory for preachers to submit their sermons for approval.
Source: Facebook
As reported by Daily Trust, he stated this while speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The governor clarified some aspects of the law seeking to regulate preaching in the northe central state.
“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. 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.”
Governor Bago agreed that the decision was made out of fear of indoctrination in the state.
The governor emphasized that the process will involve collaboration with DSS, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military, and all preachers must comply.
“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.”
Niger governor orders preachers to obtain Licence
Recall that the Niger state government stirred a fresh controversy in the polity after prohibiting all forms of religious preaching in the state.
Governor Bago directed religious preachers engaging in public preaching to obtain a license between now and the next two months.
Bashir Yankuzo, chief imam of the Federal University of Technology and Raphael Opawoye, secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger state, have reacted to the directive
Source: Facebook
Read more stories on Niger state:
- Reactions as Niger Governor Promises to Build Rail Line to Abuja
- Nigerian Governor Sacks Commissioners, Retains SSG, Others
- Reactions as Nigerian Gov Goes On His Knees For Tinubu, Video Trends
- "If I were to sell Niger": Gov Bago fires shots at critics, video trends
- 2027 Election: APC Governor Declares Self Tinubu’s Campaign DG, Blasts Defectors
- "It Is Finished": Mixed Reactions as Top Northern Gov Dances to Tinubu's Praise Song
Soludo bans preaching in marketplaces
In a previous story, Legit.ng reported that Anambra state governor, Charles Soludo, bans loud preaching in markets, citing noise pollution and public disturbance.
Violators face a ₦500,000 fine as part of the state’s efforts to enforce noise pollution regulations.
The governor warns against the misuse of public spaces and vows to crack down on fake pastors and prophets.
Source: Legit.ng
