***Call on Governor Bago to Reject Religious Enforcement Commission
The Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has joined the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to condemn the recent passage of the controversial Hisbah Bill by the Niger State House of Assembly.
The youths are calling on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago not to sign the bill into law.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Joshua Ndace, the Forum warned that the proposed establishment of a Hisbah Commission could threaten peace in the multi-religious state and raise constitutional and social challenges.
“We acknowledge and commend the government’s commitment to promoting security, moral values, and social order,” the statement read. “However, the proposed Hisbah Commission raises significant constitutional, social, and political concerns in a pluralistic state like Niger.”
The NCYF aligned itself with CAN, stressing that Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution prohibits any government from adopting a state religion. They further cited Section 38(1), which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and Section 42(1), which prohibits discrimination based on religion. The Forum warned that a state-sponsored religious enforcement body “may be perceived as institutional preference for a particular faith.”
Highlighting Sections 214 and 215 of the Constitution, the group stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains the sole law enforcement agency mandated to maintain law and order nationwide.
“Niger State has a long history of peaceful coexistence, religious freedom, and interfaith harmony,” Ndace added. “At a time when unity and social cohesion are critical, policies perceived as divisive should be approached with caution and broad stakeholder consultation.”
The NCYF urged Governor Bago and the state assembly to reconsider the proposed Hisbah framework, engaging extensively with religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, and community stakeholders. Youths were advised to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while all citizens were encouraged to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusion.
The Forum concluded by reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, constitutional democracy, and the socio-economic development of Niger State.
