Christian groups oppose proposed ban on preaching in commercial buses

Christian organisations have rejected a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act that seeks to prohibit preaching in commercial vehicles, warning that the measure could violate Nigerians’ constitutional rights.

The opposition follows the passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by the Senate on Thursday. The bill proposes a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles. It is currently awaiting presidential assent.

Reacting to the proposal, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) said it supports efforts to improve road safety but objected to the inclusion of preaching among the prohibited activities.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Evans Onyemara, the council argued that equating evangelism with commercial activities raises constitutional concerns over freedom of religion and expression.

“The Christian Council of Nigeria fully supports every genuine effort aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents on our highways. However, the inclusion of preaching alongside hawking and trading raises legitimate concerns about freedom of religion and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution,” the statement said.

The council noted that commercial buses have long served as platforms where Christians share brief messages of hope, repentance and encouragement with willing passengers, insisting that any restriction on such activities should undergo careful constitutional scrutiny.

It also criticised the proposed N50,000 fine for hawkers, saying the legislation targets the effects of poverty rather than addressing its root causes.

According to the council, many Nigerians resort to street and mobile trading because of unemployment and economic hardship, adding that poverty should not be criminalised.

The CCN urged the Federal Government to consider more humane alternatives, including designated trading areas and sustainable economic empowerment programmes, instead of punitive measures.

It also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to subject the bill to wider public consultation before it becomes law.

Similarly, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) called on President Tinubu to withhold assent to the bill, warning that criminalising peaceful religious expression would amount to an unnecessary restriction on constitutional freedoms.

In a statement signed by its President, Israel Akinadewo, the association described it as inappropriate to equate preaching with commercial hawking.

While acknowledging the need to maintain order and safety on the roads, the group maintained that preaching is protected under the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.

The OAIC urged the National Assembly to review the relevant provisions through consultations with religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to ensure that road safety measures do not undermine fundamental rights.

The association, however, encouraged preachers to conduct evangelism responsibly and in ways that respect public order while urging the government to uphold the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to Nigerians.