KEY POINTS

• CAN has rejected the proposed Niger Hisbah Bill, warning it could cause religious division and discrimination.

• The association urged Governor Bago not to sign the bill and questioned its benefits and constitutionality.

• It also accused lawmakers of failing to consult key stakeholders and called for policies that foster unity.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State chapter, has strongly rejected the proposed Niger State Hisbah Directorates Bill, warning that it could deepen religious tensions and create division in the state.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the association appealed to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago not to sign the bill into law if it is eventually passed by the Niger State House of Assembly. The legislation, sponsored by lawmaker Mohammed Abubakar, seeks to establish a Hisbah Directorate to oversee moral and social conduct, a structure commonly associated with Islamic law enforcement in some northern states.

CAN described the proposal as controversial and potentially discriminatory against Christians, arguing that such a law could heighten religious tension in the state, which is known for its diverse population.

The association said the bill risks sending the wrong message about inclusiveness and governance, stressing that decisions taken by authorities should unite residents rather than create fault lines along religious lines.

Concerns Over Rights and Constitutionality

The group questioned what economic or social benefits the proposed Hisbah Directorate would bring to the state and argued that existing security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps already have constitutional mandates to maintain public order.

CAN further warned that enforcing such a law could infringe on the rights of non-Muslims and potentially conflict with constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion. It stated that implementation might lead to restrictions on civil liberties and raise fears of persecution among minority faith communities.

Another major concern raised by the association is what it described as a lack of proper stakeholder engagement. CAN disputed claims that it was invited to a public hearing on the bill, insisting it neither received notification nor participated in any consultation process.

The group argued that excluding a key religious constituency undermines transparency and fairness in lawmaking, especially on sensitive issues affecting interfaith relations.