The Niger State government has banned all forms of unlicensed religious preaching, directing clerics and evangelists to obtain official licences before they can preach within the state.

The directive was confirmed by the Director-General of the Niger State Religious Affairs, Umar Farooq, in a telephone interview on Thursday. He said preachers have a two-month window, starting immediately, to comply.

“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. All they need to do is to visit our office, get and fill out the form. After which, they will face a panel that will screen them before they can start preaching,” Farooq explained.

The policy is part of what the government described as efforts to regulate religious activities and curb the spread of extremist or divisive messages.

But reactions are already trailing the announcement. The Chief Imam of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bashir Yankuzo, faulted the move, insisting that government has no power to restrict preaching.

“My opinion is that preaching is a command. 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.

The new regulation is expected to spark further debate in a state where religion plays a central role in community life.