Minna, Niger State – In a bold move to promote peace and curb inciting religious rhetoric, Niger State Governor Umar Bago has directed that all religious preachers must submit their sermons for vetting and approval before delivering them.
Governor Bago made the announcement during a public address in Minna, stressing that the measure was necessary to regulate religious messages, prevent extremism, and preserve harmony among Niger State’s diverse communities.
“This is not about infringing on anyone’s religious freedom,” the governor stated. “It is about ensuring that messages delivered from the pulpit do not incite violence, promote division, or threaten the peace we have worked hard to build.”
According to him, the directive applies to both Islamic and Christian clerics and will be enforced through collaboration with religious bodies and local authorities. Sermons are expected to be submitted to a designated vetting committee at least 72 hours before delivery.
Governor Bago explained that the initiative is part of broader state efforts to tackle insecurity and foster social cohesion in a region that has faced recurring ethno-religious tensions.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. While some residents and civil society groups view it as a necessary step to maintain order and prevent hate speech, others fear it may amount to government overreach and curtail freedom of expression.
Despite these concerns, the Niger State government insists that the policy aligns with constitutional provisions safeguarding public order and safety, promising that its implementation will be fair and respectful to all faiths.
Observers note that stakeholders across the religious and political spectrum will be closely monitoring the rollout of this policy and its impact on the state’s fragile peace and interfaith relations.
