The Niger State government has announced a new rule that bans all unlicensed religious preaching. Clerics must now secure official clearance before addressing their congregations.
Umar Farooq, Director General of the State Religious Affairs Department, explained the directive on Thursday. “Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months,” he said.
He added that applicants will fill out forms and appear before a screening panel before being cleared to preach.
The move has drawn immediate reactions across faith communities.
Bashir Yankuzo, Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said the directive clashes with divine duty. “Preaching is a command. People do it for the pleasure of God. Government cannot say who should preach and who should not,” he argued.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, said it had not been officially informed of the order. “We shall come up with a statement when we are officially briefed,” secretary Raphael Opawoye told reporters.
Some scholars also raised legal concerns. Islamic scholar Ustaz Hassan said such a directive should pass through the state assembly to gain proper legislative backing.
Minna-based journalist and scholar Uthman Siraja was even more direct, calling the ban “an infringement of freedom of worship and religion.”
Security vs. Rights
Government officials insist the policy is necessary to maintain peace. They argue that unregulated preaching sometimes fuels division and hate speech in the state.
But critics warn that licensing clerics may open the door to political interference and limit fundamental rights. Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and many believe this order will be legally challenged.
The two-month window for compliance has now begun.
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