Religious Freedom Under Threat? Christian Groups Condemn Proposed Ban On Bus Preaching

Christian organisations have kicked against a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act that seeks to penalise preaching in commercial vehicles, warning that the move could infringe on Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The groups, including the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the bill and called for wider consultations before it becomes law.

The Senate on Thursday passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone found guilty of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

If signed into law, offenders could face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Reacting to the development, the Christian Council of Nigeria expressed concern over the inclusion of preaching among activities prohibited in commercial buses.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Evans Onyemara, the council said it fully supports efforts to improve road safety but argued that such measures should not come at the expense of constitutionally protected freedoms.

“The Christian Council of Nigeria fully supports every genuine effort aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents on our highways. Respect for traffic regulations saves lives and should be encouraged.

“While the objective may be to reduce distractions, the inclusion of preaching alongside hawking and trading raises legitimate concerns about freedom of religion and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Onyemara said.

The council noted that commercial buses have, for decades, served as platforms where Christians share brief messages of hope, repentance, encouragement and prayers with willing passengers.

It argued that any attempt to restrict such religious activities should be carefully examined to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.

The CCN also criticised the proposed ₦50,000 fine for hawkers, describing it as a harsh response to the country’s deepening economic challenges.

According to the council, many Nigerians turn to street and mobile trading because of poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living.

“The Council also believes that imposing heavy fines on people engaged in hawking fails to address the deeper issues of poverty, unemployment and economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians. Poverty should not be criminalised,” the statement added.

Rather than imposing stiff penalties, the council urged the Federal Government to consider alternatives such as designated trading areas, reasonable restrictions where necessary and sustainable economic empowerment programmes.

It also appealed to the President, the National Assembly and other stakeholders to subject the bill to broader public consultations before it is signed into law.

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches echoed similar concerns, urging President Tinubu not to approve the legislation in its current form.

In a statement signed by its President, Israel Akinadewo, the association argued that equating peaceful Christian preaching with commercial hawking was both insensitive and inappropriate.

“OAIC considers it insensitive and inappropriate to equate the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking.

“While recognising the need to ensure safety and order on Nigerian roads, the Association maintains that preaching is a constitutionally protected exercise of the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression, and should not be treated as a criminal or commercial activity,” Akinadewo said.

The association maintained that preaching in commercial vehicles has long been a legitimate way of spreading messages of faith, hope, repentance, morality and peaceful coexistence.

It therefore called on the National Assembly to revisit the contentious provisions of the bill through wider consultations involving religious bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

OAIC also appealed to President Tinubu to withhold assent until the concerns raised by stakeholders are addressed.

While reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and responsible religious conduct, the association encouraged Christian preachers to carry out evangelism in ways that respect public order, while urging the government to uphold the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to all Nigerians.