Opposition to Proposed Niger Hisbah Bill, Urges Constitutional Adherence and Unity

National Christian Alliance Restates

The National Christian Alliance for Good Governance in Nigeria (NCAGG) has once again reinforced and expanded on the stance of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through its Niger State Chairman, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa, rejecting the proposed Niger Hisbah Bill currently before the Niger State House of Assembly.

In a statement endorsed by Dean Rev. Ozumba Emmanuel Nicodemus, National President of NCAGG, the Alliance maintained that the proposed legislation infringes on fundamental human rights, particularly the right to freedom of religion. It cautioned that advancing the bill could jeopardize decades of peaceful interfaith harmony in Niger State.
“We acknowledge the presenter’s recognition that Nigeria operates as a secular state,” the statement noted, emphasizing that no state, region, or community should be designated as a religious state. “The proposed bill undermines government efforts aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence among citizens. Its passage would amount to a regression to the precolonial era, a phase Nigeria has long surpassed.”
NCAGG appealed to Umar Mohammed Bago, described as a dynamic and visionary leader, not to allow divisive religious politics to overshadow his administration. While commending the bill’s sponsor, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, for initiating legislative engagement, the Alliance urged him to prioritize bills that promote unity, development, and social harmony rather than those capable of fueling sectarian tensions.
The Alliance also acknowledged the sponsor’s recognition of constitutionally established security institutions such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, stressing that these bodies are lawfully mandated to uphold law and order. “Instead of establishing parallel frameworks, efforts should be directed toward strengthening existing institutions,” NCAGG stated.
While noting that Niger State, like several northern states, continues to confront insecurity and developmental challenges, the Alliance commended Governor Bago’s governance initiatives despite prevailing difficulties. It encouraged sustained focus on policies that address security concerns, socio-economic development, and social cohesion.
NCAGG aligned with CAN’s position that even if the Hisbah Directorate is described as voluntary or limited to adherents, it may inadvertently lead to indirect coercion, discrimination, or administrative overreach unless clearly defined statutory limitations, oversight mechanisms, and legal remedies are incorporated.
The Alliance recommended that any legislative process be transparent and inclusive, with safeguards that:
Protect non-adherents from coercion or discrimination;
Clearly prohibit the Directorate from exercising enforcement powers such as arrest, detention, search, or seizure;
Affirm that civil, commercial, and religious matters concerning non-Muslims remain exclusively governed by existing secular laws;
Establish independent oversight, transparent appointment procedures, and accessible avenues for redress in cases of rights violations.
Call for Responsible Leadership
NCAGG further urged religious leaders to exercise responsibility in their sermons and public engagements, promoting peace and discouraging division. “Religious leaders must serve as ambassadors of peace,” the statement emphasized.
The Alliance called for a broad-based consultative dialogue involving lawmakers, religious leaders of diverse faiths, civil society groups, and human rights advocates to thoroughly review the Bill before further legislative proceedings. According to NCAGG, such inclusive engagement would help protect constitutional liberties while preserving the enduring peace of Niger State.