The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has strongly criticised the new religious preaching law introduced by the Niger State government, describing it as “ill-advised, discriminatory and oppressive.”
The law, recently announced by the government, requires preachers in the state to submit their sermon notes for approval before addressing the public.
Clerics are also mandated to apply for licenses, undergo screening, and obtain certification within two months.
Defending the move, Governor Umar Bago said on TVC’s Politics that the law was not a ban on evangelism but a safeguard against preaching that may be “anti-people, anti-government” or capable of inciting unrest.
Forum says law is unconstitutional
Bago explained that enforcement of the policy would be carried out in collaboration with security agencies, including the DSS, Police, Civil Defence, and the military.
But the Christian forum, in a statement signed by its convener Paul Adama on Wednesday, rejected the law, insisting it is nothing but censorship.
“This is nothing short of religious censorship and a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of the people. It relates to their freedom of thought and religion, which is enshrined in Sections 38 and 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.
Calls for withdrawal of the law
The group further argued that international charters such as Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and prohibit government interference.
“These key UN instruments provide freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom to change religion or belief; freedom to manifest, practice or express religion or belief; prohibition of all forms of discrimination and incitement and protection for all regardless of religion or belief,” the forum said.
It urged Governor Bago to withdraw the law “in the interest of peace, justice and respect for both Nigeria’s Constitution and United Nations charters on religious freedom.”
Focus on development, not restrictions
The group stressed that religion is a highly sensitive issue in Nigeria and warned the government to tread carefully.
“We stand for religious sanity and denounce every form of inflammatory speech or religious incitement. However, we appeal to the government of Niger State to jettison forthwith the law subjecting preachers to mandatory licensing and requiring preachers to submit their sermon notes for verification and approval,” the statement added.
Beyond religion, the forum urged the state government to focus on pressing challenges such as insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment.
“Tackling poverty, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and underdevelopment should be the concerns of any well-meaning government and not stifling religious freedom,” it said.
