Nigerian Pastors Will Need Licence To Preach, As Bill To Regulate Christianity Pass Debate

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

The chairman of the Human Rights and Constitutional Rights Committee of the African Bar Association, Barrister Sonnie Ekwowusi, has alleged that a bill has been passed to regulate Christianity in Nigeria.

The development shows that pastors and priests will need a licence to preach in the country.

According to Barrister Sonnie, he stated that the bill is being considered by a council in Abuja constituted by the Federal Government that would regulate the practice of Christianity in Nigeria.

This bill if passed into law would require preachers to obtain a licence before they can preach.

He asserted this during an interview on a popular Nigerian TV, that the bill will force pastors and priests to get a licence before mounting the pulpit to preach before a congregation.

However, he argued that the bill violates section 38 of the 1999 constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

He maintained that the bill is unnecessary, as the state and Christian faith are two separate entities.

Barrister Sonnie said this bill would give too much power over the Christian faith. However, many Christian leaders have condemned the bill to regulate the practice of Christianity in Nigeria.