Christian Groups Oppose Bill Criminalising Preaching In Commercial Buses
Christian organisations have rejected a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act that seeks to criminalise preaching in commercial vehicles, describing the move as a threat to constitutional rights.
The Senate recently passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a fine of N50,000, a six-month prison sentence, or both, for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles. The bill, aimed at reducing driver distractions and improving road safety, is awaiting presidential assent.
The legislation also introduces similar penalties for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
Reacting to the bill, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) expressed concern over the inclusion of preaching among prohibited activities, while affirming its support for measures that enhance road safety.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Evans Onyemara, the council said equating Christian evangelism with commercial activities raises constitutional and human rights concerns, particularly regarding freedom of religion and expression.
The council noted that commercial buses have long served as platforms for sharing brief messages of hope, repentance, encouragement and prayers with willing passengers, stressing that any restriction on such activities should undergo thorough constitutional scrutiny.
The CCN also criticised the proposed N50,000 fine for hawkers, arguing that it targets the effects of poverty rather than addressing the underlying challenges of unemployment and economic hardship.
It urged the government to adopt more humane alternatives, including designated trading areas, age-appropriate regulations where necessary and sustainable economic empowerment programmes instead of punitive sanctions.
The council appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and other stakeholders to subject the bill to broader public consultation before it is signed into law.
Similarly, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) called on the President to withhold assent to the legislation, warning that criminalising peaceful religious expression would amount to an unnecessary restriction on citizens’ constitutional rights.
In a statement signed by its President, Israel Akinadewo, the association described it as inappropriate to equate peaceful gospel preaching with commercial hawking, maintaining that preaching remains a constitutionally protected exercise of freedom of religion and expression.
The OAIC said preaching in commercial buses has traditionally served as a means of promoting faith, hope, morality, repentance and peaceful coexistence across the country.
The association urged the National Assembly to review the relevant provisions through wider consultations with religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to ensure that road safety objectives are achieved without undermining constitutional freedoms.
While reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and responsible religious conduct, the OAIC also encouraged preachers to carry out evangelism in ways that respect public order, while calling on the government to uphold the constitutional rights that underpin Nigeria’s democracy.
