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 would be compulsory to have scriptures vetted by the state government before addressing any devotees
- The All Progressives Congress (APC) governor explained the reason for the rule, which is in the interest of state security
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 Islamic preachers compulsory in Niger state.
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 northern central state.
“I didn’t ban evangelism… For everyone going to sermons 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 not go out and preach the gospel that is anti-people, anti-government, and you think it’s normal.”
Governor Bago explained that the decision was made out of fear of indoctrination in the state.
The governor emphasised that the process would involve collaboration with the country's major law enforcement agencies and said that preachers needed to comply with the new ruling.
“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 licences
Recall that the Niger state government stirred fresh controversy in the polity after prohibiting all forms of religious preaching in the state.
At the time, Governor Bago directed religious preachers engaging in public preaching to obtain a licence within 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, had reacted to the directive.
Source: Facebook
Without regulation, Nigerians risk ‘spiritual poison’ - Analyst
A security analyst, Dr. Abubakar Sani, has backed Governor Umar Bago’s directive on sermon regulation in Niger state, describing it as a necessary step to curb extremism and maintain peace.
“Nigeria, as we all know, is a country governed by the rule of law where the fundamental human rights of every individual are supposed to be guaranteed and respected,” he told Legit.ng.
“However, it is unfortunate that some people abuse and misuse these rights. This is because of our inability to respect and tolerate one another.”
He noted that the constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights permit people to practice any religion and preach their views, but moderation remains Nigeria’s biggest problem.
“We do not know how to moderate things. We like going to the extreme. When it comes to eating, drinking, partying, smoking, womanizing, and so on, we go to the extreme. It is not just in the issue of religion.”
Dr. Sani described the governor’s move as commendable.
“Governor Bago's statement that he wants to regulate preaching in Niger State is a welcome development, and I commend him for that.”
He argued that unregulated preaching has contributed to violence in Nigeria.
“The era whereby every Tom, D!ck, and Harry who knows little Arabic and has read one or two books can just grab a public address system or go to social media and begin to preach extremist ideologies that usually lead to violence should be over by now.”
Analyst urges Nigeria to follow global models
According to Dr Sani, both Islamic and Christian preachers must be subject to oversight, just as other countries have done.
“We must regulate both Islamic and Christian preachers. That is what is obtainable in Saudi Arabia and all OECD countries. In fact, this is what happens in Rwanda.”
Drawing a parallel with regulatory agencies, he emphasized the need for a body to oversee sermons.
“Just like we have government agencies like NAFDAC to regulate the processing and administration of food and drugs, we must have a body that regulates the dissemination of spiritual food. Otherwise, we will be fed spiritual poison.”
Citing extremist leaders such as “Muhammad Yusuf, Abubakar Shekau, Reverend King, and the Mahmuda sect leader in Niger State,” he warned against the dangers of unregulated preaching.
He concluded by stressing the need for government oversight, adding:
“I am for the regulation of preaching and related religious matters. We are not in a banana republic.”
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Soludo bans preaching in marketplaces
Legit.ng also reported that the Anambra governor banned loud preaching in markets, citing noise pollution and public disturbance.
Governor Charles Soludo said violators could face a ₦500,000 fine as part of the state’s efforts to enforce noise pollution regulations.
He also warned preachers against the misuse of public spaces and vowed to crack down on fake pastors on the hunt in the state.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a security analyst for this report.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Adekunle Dada (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Adekunle Dada is a trained journalist with over 8 years of working experience. He is also a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a B.Sc. in Mass Communication from Lagos State University, Ojo. Adekunle previously worked at PM News, The Sun, and Within Nigeria, where he expressed his journalistic skills with well-researched articles and features. In 2024, Adekunle obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. He can be reached via adekunle.dada@corp.legit.ng.
Dr Abubakar Sani (Public affairs and security analyst) Dr Abubakar Sani is a public affairs and security analyst. He is an SSA to former Army Chief, T.Y Buratai. He is a Certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist (CAS) and a researcher of international repute.
