On September 4, 2025, the Niger State Government officially banned all forms of religious preaching unless preachers obtain a licence. The policy requires:

Preachers must visit the Bureau of Religious Affairs office, fill out an application form, and undergo screening by a designated panel.

There is a two-month window for compliance starting from the announcement date.

Reactions from Religious Leaders

Imam Bashir Yankuzo (Chief Imam, Federal University of Technology, Minna) emphasized that while preaching is a religious obligation, the government may intervene if messages threaten security or peace.

Pastor Raphael Opawoye (Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria—Niger State) stated that CAN was not officially informed of the directive and would respond once formally notified.

Islamic scholar Ustaz Hassan argued the directive should go through the State House of Assembly to become valid law, pointing to constitutionality concerns.

Uthman Siraja, a Minna-based journalist and Islamic scholar, condemned the policy as an infringement on freedom of religion and worship. He suggested that authorities should instead penalize preachers who incite unrest.

Constitutional Questions & Legal Concerns

Critics argue the policy violates the right to freedom of religion—a constitutionally protected right under Sections 38(1) and 42(1)(a) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

Comparisons are being drawn to Kaduna State, where similar licensing laws were declared unconstitutional by the courts. In 2019, a Kaduna High Court ruled that preachers cannot be licensed by the government, even while acknowledging the government can regulate religious activities for public interest.

All preaching requires licence; compliance within 2 months (from Sept 4) Religion Licensing currently applies only to Islamic preachers; Christian faith will be affected later.
Process Form will be released to all intending preachers for completion and screening by a panel.

Which Faiths Are Affected?
The initial focus is on Islamic preachers. Forms and licensing procedures for Christian preachers are reportedly not yet ready. Government officials have indicated that the licensing process for Christians will follow once established.