The Governor of Niger State, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has called on religious leaders to submit their sermons for official review before delivering them to congregations.
Bago said the measure is intended to promote peace, prevent incitement, and ensure that messages shared in mosques and churches support unity within the state. He stressed that religious preaching carries significant influence, and unchecked statements could inflame tensions or undermine security efforts.
According to the governor, the vetting process will not interfere with freedom of worship but will act as a safeguard against divisive or extremist content. “We must guide our people towards peace and coexistence. Religious messages should uplift, not divide,” he said.
The directive has generated debate among clerics and community members. Some faith leaders argue that such oversight could limit their independence, while others welcome it as a way to curb the misuse of religion for political or personal gain.
Niger State, like many parts of northern Nigeria, has faced security challenges in recent years, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts. Officials believe stronger regulation of religious discourse could help reduce tensions and foster unity.
The state government is expected to release further details on how the sermon submission and approval process will be implemented in the coming weeks.