NSCEA Condemns Niger State’s Sermon Approval Policy, Calls for Immediate Reversal
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has strongly condemned a new policy introduced by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, which mandates preachers to submit their sermons for government vetting before public delivery.
The council has labeled the policy a blatant violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the constitutional freedoms of thought, conscience, and religion.
In a statement signed by Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary General of the NSCEA’s Elders’ Council, the religious body described the policy as “ill-conceived, oppressive, discriminatory, and anti-religious.”
“This draconian measure is an affront to democracy, the rule of law, and the spirit of religious freedom enshrined in Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution,” the statement read.
The NSCEA joins a growing number of critics, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), in rejecting what they consider an alarming move to silence religious expression under the guise of regulation.
Key Concerns Raised by NSCEA:
Violation of Religious Freedom: The policy undermines constitutionally guaranteed rights and infringes on personal and collective religious liberties.
Neglect of Urgent Governance Issues: NSCEA accused the government of focusing on sermon monitoring instead of addressing urgent challenges such as poverty, insecurity, and poor infrastructure.
International Human Rights Breach: The policy contradicts international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Urging a Policy Reversal and Refocus
The NSCEA called on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw the policy and shift focus to pressing developmental issues affecting Niger State. These include:
Worsening Insecurity: The state continues to face rising levels of banditry, kidnapping, herder-farmer clashes, and communal violence, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life.
Rampant Poverty: With over 64% of the population living below the poverty line, the NSCEA urged prioritization of economic empowerment and social welfare programs.
Education Crisis: The state’s adult literacy rate of 38.1% was cited as a major concern needing urgent intervention.
Poor Infrastructure: The council highlighted the lack of basic amenities, including electricity, clean water, and healthcare, as barriers to meaningful development.
“What Niger State needs is visionary leadership that focuses on the people’s welfare—not policies that restrict their freedom to worship,” Bishop Adesanya-Davies stated.
A Call for Collective Resistance
Reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom and interfaith harmony, the NSCEA urged all stakeholders—including civil society groups, religious leaders, legal advocates, and the general public—to speak out against the policy and protect the rights of all Nigerians.
“We stand for a Nigeria where people of all faiths can live, worship, and speak freely without fear of repression or censorship,” the statement concl
