Niger State Governor Umar Bago has reversed his controversial order targeting individuals with dreadlocks, following intense public backlash and criticism from civil society groups and human rights advocates.
During a stakeholders’ security meeting on Tuesday, April 22, the governor had instructed security operatives in Minna, the state capital, to arrest anyone wearing dreadlocks, shave their hair, and impose fines—part of what he described as a crackdown on “unacceptable haircuts.”
“Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine the person. Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies,” Bago stated at the time.
The directive triggered widespread condemnation, with critics accusing the governor of violating individual rights and overstepping his authority.
Responding to the outrage, Governor Bago issued a public clarification on Wednesday, April 23, distancing himself from a blanket condemnation of dreadlocks.
He claimed his earlier comments were misunderstood and said his concerns were specifically aimed at individuals allegedly involved in cult-related activities who disguise themselves using certain hairstyles.
“Yesterday we read a riot act on hooliganism and people misunderstood our words for people who have dreadlocks,” he said. “We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks, but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks. So if you have any business and you have dreadlocks, please come to Niger State. All that is media propaganda.”
Bago also used the opportunity to invite professionals and investors to the state, assuring the public that Niger State remains open and welcoming to all, regardless of personal appearance.
