Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has defended the new law requiring preachers to submit their sermons for approval before preaching

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago said the measure was not a ban on evangelism but a way to prevent inciting messages. “Even in Saudi Arabia, this is done. You cannot go out and preach anti-people, anti-government sermons and think it’s normal,” he said.

Taste the Goodness: EL Blends All-Natural Cold-Pressed Juices

He explained that the directive was aimed at curbing indoctrination and would be enforced in collaboration with security agencies, including the DSS, Police, NSCDC, and the military.

Earlier this month, the Director General of Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, announced that preachers must obtain a licence within two months, after screening by a panel.

While the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, said it was not officially informed of the directive, Islamic scholar Uthman Siraja criticised the law as an infringement on religious rights.