The Niger State government in Nigeria has introduced a new policy requiring preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivery, sparking criticism from the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF). The group has called on Governor Umar Bago to withdraw the policy, describing it as “anti-religious, retrogressive, oppressive, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights.”
According to the CCYF, the policy infringes on the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression, as guaranteed by Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution. The group also cited international instruments, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, which protect religious freedom.
The CCYF argued that instead of introducing such laws, the Niger State government should focus on addressing pressing issues such as poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Niger State has one of the highest poverty rates in the country, with over 64 percent of its population living below the poverty line. The group urged the government to redirect its energy towards people-oriented policies that can boost economic growth, address insecurity, and improve education, health, and infrastructure in the state.
While the CCYF reaffirmed its opposition to reckless and inciteful preaching, it maintained that subjecting sermons to government approval is unjustifiable and dangerous to peaceful coexistence. The group called on the state government to repeal the policy, citing its potential to undermine religious freedom and social harmony. The Niger State government’s decision to introduce this policy has significant implications for the country’s religious landscape and the protection of human rights. The CCYF’s call for the policy’s withdrawal highlights the need for the government to balance its regulatory powers with the need to protect fundamental freedoms.
