The Niger State government has introduced a ban on religious preaching, directing that anyone who wishes to preach must first obtain a licence
Umar Farooq, Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, confirmed the directive on Thursday, noting that preachers have a two-month period to secure the required licence.
“It is true, the State Government has banned preaching. Any preacher who wants to preach must secure a licence between now and the next two months. All they need to do is to visit our office, get and fill out the form. After which, they will have to face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” Farooq explained.
The policy has sparked diverse reactions. Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, maintained that preaching is a divine command that cannot be halted by government, though he supported checks on those who use inciting or abusive language.
Raphael Opawoye, secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, said the body was not aware of the directive and would release an official response once formally notified.
Islamic scholar Ustaz Hassan stressed that such a regulation should first be passed through the State House of Assembly. Similarly, Minna-based journalist and scholar Uthman Siraja described the move as a violation of freedom of worship, suggesting that only preachers who incite the public should be sanctioned instead of imposing a blanket restriction.
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Violation of freedom of worship