A coalition of Christian organisations in Niger State has urged Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to halt plans to establish a Hisbah Commission, warning that the move could threaten Nigeria’s secular principles and harm the state’s economic climate.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Minna by the Niger State Concerned Christian Advocates, which strongly opposed the proposed bill currently before the State House of Assembly. The group described the plan as inconsistent with the country’s tradition of religious diversity and peaceful coexistence.
Led by Ambassador Marshal Okoro, the coalition argued that setting up a state-backed religious enforcement body would conflict with provisions of the 1999 Constitution and could heighten tensions in a state known for its multi-faith population.
While acknowledging the government’s duty to maintain public order and promote moral values, the group said establishing a religious enforcement agency in a pluralistic society raises serious constitutional, social, and economic concerns.
Constitutional concerns
The coalition cited Section 10 of the Constitution, which prohibits any government in Nigeria from adopting a state religion. According to the group, the proposed Hisbah bill could effectively institutionalise preference for a particular faith in governance.
They also referenced Section 38(1), which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, warning that enforcing religious norms through state mechanisms could infringe on the rights of minority faith communities.
The group aligned itself with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, which has also opposed the proposed legislation.
Fears of social and economic impact
The advocates warned that the bill could deepen religious divisions, increase tensions, and reinforce perceptions of marginalisation among Christians and other minority groups.
They further argued that the state already facing economic challenges, including business closures and investor relocation cannot afford policies that may project it as religiously intolerant.
According to the communiqué, introducing a religious enforcement commission could weaken investor confidence, discourage economic activity, and undermine long-standing interfaith harmony in the state.
Call for inclusive policies
Instead of establishing a Hisbah Commission, the coalition called for inclusive strategies to promote security and moral values while respecting constitutional rights and engaging all communities.
They urged the State House of Assembly to reconsider the bill and called on the executive arm of government to prioritise policies that foster unity rather than division.
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional democracy, religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, and the socio-economic development of Niger State, expressing willingness to support dialogue that promotes unity and protects the rights of all citizens.
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