Christian Leaders Kick Against Bill To Ban Bus Preaching

According to Ireporter Online, major Christian organisations have condemned the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act, warning that provisions seeking to criminalise preaching in commercial vehicles could infringe on the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freedom of religion and expression.

The opposition comes after the Senate approved the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which introduces penalties for individuals found hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles. If the bill receives presidential assent, offenders could face a fine of ₦50,000, a six-month jail term, or both.

Reacting to the development, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) expressed deep concern over the inclusion of religious preaching among prohibited activities in commercial buses. In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Rev. Evans Onyemara, the council reiterated its support for initiatives aimed at improving road safety but argued that such efforts must not come at the expense of constitutionally protected freedoms.

The council stated that while reducing distractions on the roads is a legitimate objective, placing preaching in the same category as hawking and trading raises serious constitutional questions regarding freedom of religion and expression. It noted that for decades, commercial buses have served as platforms where Christians share brief messages of hope, repentance, encouragement and prayers with willing passengers, insisting that any attempt to restrict such activities should undergo thorough constitutional examination.

The CCN also criticised the proposed ₦50,000 fine for hawkers, describing it as a harsh measure that fails to address the root causes of poverty, unemployment and economic hardship forcing many Nigerians into street and mobile trading. It urged the Federal Government to pursue alternative solutions such as designated trading areas, reasonable regulations and sustainable economic empowerment programmes instead of imposing punitive sanctions.

The organisation further appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to subject the bill to broader public consultations before it is signed into law.

Similarly, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) called on President Tinubu to withhold assent to the legislation in its current form. In a statement signed by its President, Israel Akinadewo, the association argued that it was inappropriate to equate peaceful religious preaching with commercial hawking.

The OAIC maintained that preaching is a constitutionally protected exercise of freedom of religion and expression and should not be treated as a criminal or commercial activity. It added that evangelism in commercial buses has long served as a legitimate avenue for promoting faith, morality, hope, repentance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

The association also urged the National Assembly to revisit the contentious provisions through wider consultations involving religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to ensure that road safety objectives do not undermine fundamental constitutional rights.

While reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and responsible religious practices, the OAIC encouraged Christian preachers to conduct evangelism in ways that respect public order and called on the government to uphold the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to all Nigerians.