Nigeria Pastors, Imams Face Possible Licensing as GOMEP-NG Calls for Religious Leaders’ Regulation

By Charity Uwakwe

“A fresh debate over religious accountability has erupted in Nigeria as the President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Akpovoke Otiti, calls for mandatory certification and licensing of pastors and imams before they are allowed to lead congregations.”

“GOMEP-NG President Akpovoke Otiti has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to introduce legislation requiring pastors and imams to obtain professional certification and licences before establishing places of worship or leading religious groups. He argued that religious leaders, like doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals, should meet minimum training and ethical standards because of their influence on society.”

“Should pastors and imams undergo professional certification before leading millions of Nigerians? A new proposal by GOMEP-NG President Akpovoke Otiti has sparked a national conversation over religious leadership, accountability, and the need for minimum standards in Nigeria’s worship centres.”

ABUJA — The Federal Government has been urged to introduce a regulatory framework that will require pastors and imams in Nigeria to obtain certification and professional licences before leading congregations or establishing places of worship.

The call was made by the National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Akpovoke Otiti, who argued that religious leadership carries enormous responsibility and should be guided by clear ethical and professional standards.

Otiti said religious leaders influence the lives, beliefs, and decisions of millions of Nigerians, stressing that they should undergo recognised training and certification in the same way professionals such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, and journalists are required to meet regulatory requirements before practising.

“The time has come for Nigeria to enact laws requiring every pastor and imam to be properly trained, certified, and licensed before assuming the responsibility of leading congregations. If doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, and journalists must be certified to practise, why should religious leaders who shape the minds and lives of millions operate without any form of professional regulation?” Otiti stated.

The GOMEP-NG President raised concerns over the increasing number of self-acclaimed pastors, prophets, and prophetesses who establish religious centres in residential buildings, shops, and temporary structures without formal theological education or recognised ministerial training.

According to him, established religious institutions, including the Catholic Church, operate structured systems of theological education and formation before priests are ordained and assigned pastoral responsibilities.

Otiti also expressed concern over what he described as the growing commercialisation of religion in Nigeria, warning that some religious centres are becoming more focused on financial transactions rather than their spiritual and moral responsibilities.

“Religion should remain a platform for moral guidance, spiritual development, and nation building, not a business venture. The proliferation of untrained religious leaders has contributed to misinformation, exploitation, and declining public confidence in religious institutions,” he added.

He therefore called on the National Assembly, government agencies, and recognised religious bodies to collaborate in developing a framework that would establish minimum educational, ethical, and professional standards for religious leaders across Nigeria.

Otiti maintained that proper regulation would promote accountability, protect worshippers from exploitation, strengthen public trust, and improve the credibility of religious institutions while preserving Nigerians’ constitutional right to freedom of religion.