Niger Anti-Religious Law Destructive — Concerned Christian Youth Condemn Policy

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has strongly criticized a new directive introduced by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, Nigeria, which mandates preachers to submit their sermons for approval before delivering them publicly.

In a statement signed by its convener, Paul James Adama, the group described the policy as “ill-thought, ill-advised, anti-religious, discriminatory, oppressive, and preposterous.”

“We do not support reckless, hateful, or inciteful preaching,” the statement noted. “However, we categorically reject this law, as it constitutes a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians regarding freedom of thought and religion, enshrined in Sections 38 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The CCYF also referenced international legal frameworks, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which view restrictions on religious freedom as oppressive and unlawful.

The forum further drew attention to Niger State’s pressing developmental challenges, noting that over 64% of residents live below the poverty line, infrastructure remains poor, and adult literacy stood at 38.1% as of 2022. “Addressing these issues should be the priority of any responsible government, not the suppression of religious liberty,” it said.

Joining other critics, the CCYF called on the Niger State government to immediately withdraw the policy requiring preachers to obtain mandatory licenses and submit sermon notes for vetting. Such action, it stressed, is necessary for “good governance, peace, justice, adherence to the rule of law, respect for the Nigerian Constitution, and compliance with international instruments and charters on religious freedom.”