Niger State Introduces Mandatory Licence For Religious Preachers

The Niger State government has imposed a ban on religious preaching, requiring anyone who wishes to preach to first obtain a licence.

Director General of the State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, confirmed the directive in a telephone interview on Thursday, noting that preachers have two months to comply.

“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,” he explained.

The move has stirred mixed reactions across religious circles. Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, said preaching is a divine command that cannot be stopped by government, but stressed that those inciting violence or using abusive language should be restrained to safeguard peace and security.

Niger State secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Raphael Opawoye, said the body was not aware of the ban and would issue a statement once officially notified.

Islamic scholar Ustaz Hassan maintained that such a policy should pass through the State House of Assembly before implementation.

Minna-based journalist and Islamic scholar, Uthman Siraja, also faulted the decision, describing it as an infringement on freedom of worship and religion. He suggested that instead of a blanket ban, the government should punish only those who incite the public through their messages.