Niger State Governor Umar Bago has announced that all preachers in the state will now be required to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them.

The governor made this known during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, where he explained the new law introduced to regulate preaching in the state.

He said the government is not banning evangelism but only wants to review sermons to avoid harmful or anti-government messages. He noted that such practice exists in Saudi Arabia and is meant to protect the public.

Responding to questions on whether the move was linked to indoctrination, the governor admitted it was part of the reason.

He added that security agencies, including the DSS, Police, NSCDC, and the military, would help monitor preaching across the state.

The rule first became public earlier this month when the Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, revealed that preachers must obtain a licence within two months to continue preaching.

Farooq explained that interested preachers would need to visit the religious affairs office, fill out a form, and appear before a screening panel before receiving approval to preach.

The Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State, however, said it was not aware of the directive. Secretary Raphael Opawoye stated that the group would release a statement when officially informed.

Meanwhile, Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja criticised the decision, saying it restricts freedom of religion.

He argued that instead of enforcing a blanket ban, the government should only punish preachers who incite violence or unrest through their sermons.