Minna, Niger State, new directive by the Niger State Government requiring religious preachers to obtain licences before carrying out their activities has sparked mixed reactions across the state.
The policy, which first became public earlier this month, was confirmed by the Director General of the State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, who stressed that all preachers must secure approval within two months.
“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,” Farooq said.
“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.”
The development has, however, generated controversy among religious leaders and organisations.
The Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, faulted the move, arguing that preaching is a divine command and should not be regulated by government.
“The government is not paying anyone for doing the job; people are preaching in order to earn the pleasure of God. So, the government cannot dictate who to preach to and who not to preach,” he said.
“But at the same time, if there are people who are going out of their way to cause security threats, using abusive words and so on, then government can have control over that in order to maintain peace and security.”
Similarly, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, Raphael Opawoye, said the Christian body was not officially aware of the ban.
The policy continues to stir debate, with many residents expressing concerns about its implications for religious freedom and security management in the state.