The Niger State Bureau for Religious Affairs has dismissed claims that it banned Islamic scholars and clerics from preaching in the state, clarifying that it is only introducing a registration and certification process to promote religious harmony.

 

In a statement signed by its Media Aide, Amb. Haruna Mustapha (Dago), the Bureau described reports of a ban as misinformation, stressing that it has no authority to arbitrarily stop clerics from preaching except in cases where established guidelines are violated.

 

Mustapha explained that under the new initiative, Islamic scholars and clerics are required to obtain a Da’awah Registration Form and undergo a basic evaluation before certification.

 

The registration period will run from September 4 to September 30, 2025. According to the Bureau, the process is aimed at ensuring that religious preaching aligns with the values of peace, unity, and mutual respect.

 

“For clarity, the meeting held on September 4, 2025, by the Peace and Conflict Management Committee, under the leadership of the Director General, was convened to introduce the Da’awah Registration Form and Certification Process. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to prevent misunderstandings and curb the spread of misleading preaching across the state,” Mustapha stated.

 

The Bureau further explained that certified clerics will be issued guidelines, and any violation may lead to the withdrawal of their preaching certificate.

 

The agency reassured the public that the move is not a ban on religious preaching but a structured effort to promote responsible and peaceful propagation of Islam in Niger State.