The debate over the proposed Hisbah Bill in Niger State intensified on Tuesday as the Boys Brigade Nigeria, Niger State Council, urged lawmakers to prioritise security and economic recovery over what it described as divisive legislation.
In a 12-point communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Minna, the group criticised the passage of the bill by the Niger State House of Assembly, warning that the state’s fragile peace and struggling economy require urgent, inclusive solutions — not policies that could deepen religious fault lines.
The communiqué, signed by State Organising Secretary Mr. Samson Japhet Pada, aligned the Brigade with the position earlier taken by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, which has called on Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago to withhold assent.
According to the Brigade, Niger State is grappling with mounting security threats, poverty, and a growing population of out-of-school children — challenges it believes should command legislative urgency.
“At a time when communities are battling insecurity and economic hardship, our priority must be laws that strengthen safety, restore investor confidence, and promote development,” the statement read.
The group referenced the aftermath of the 2001 introduction of Shari’a law, arguing that the state is yet to fully recover from the economic and social disruptions that followed.
“We cannot afford another policy that risks capital flight, business withdrawal, or heightened tension among our diverse communities,” it cautioned.
The Brigade expressed reservations about provisions relating to the composition and powers of the proposed Hisbah Board, suggesting they could create perceptions of exclusion and raise constitutional questions, particularly regarding freedom of religion as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
While affirming support for moral discipline in society, the group insisted that religious bodies — not state structures — should lead in shaping moral values among adherents.
In a broader appeal, the Boys Brigade encouraged Christians across the state to remain civically engaged, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, and participate actively in the democratic process.
It stressed that constructive political involvement remains the most sustainable way to protect constitutional rights and promote inclusive governance.
As reactions continue to trail the bill, the unfolding discourse reflects deeper tensions around governance priorities, religious coexistence, and economic direction in Niger State.
Focus on Security, Not Hisbah Bill, Boys Brigade Tells Niger Lawmakers
