Christians in Nigeria reject proposed ban on preaching inside vehicles
Christians under the aegis of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West region, have rejected a proposed ban on preaching inside commercial vehicles, warning that the provision could infringe upon citizens’ constitutional rights.
The stance follows the Senate’s passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial vehicles, according to The PUNCH.
If assented to, the bill would also impose a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both on motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
In a statement issued Thursday, the South-West Chairman of CAN, Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, stated that the proposed legislation requires careful review to ensure it does not compromise fundamental freedoms.
The statement read:
”We acknowledge the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing avoidable road crashes across Nigeria. We support every genuine effort aimed at protecting lives and promoting responsible road use.
However, we respectfully express serious concerns regarding aspects of the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026—particularly the provision prescribing sanctions for preaching in commercial buses and the outright prohibition of hawking in such vehicles.
“While the government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure public safety, it also has an equal obligation to uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. We believe any legislation capable of restricting these rights should be carefully examined to ensure that it is necessary, proportionate, and consistent with constitutional principles.”
CAN noted that prohibiting religious preaching without evidence that it poses a direct threat to public safety could create the impression of an unnecessary restriction on religious freedom and spark avoidable public tension.
The statement continued:
”Many Nigerians depend on legitimate informal trading for their daily survival. Rather than adopting measures that may worsen economic hardship, the government should prioritize policies that create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, improve public transportation, strengthen security, and enhance citizen welfare.
We therefore respectfully appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to withhold assent to the bill in its present form and encourage further consultation with relevant stakeholders, including religious bodies, civil society organisations, legal experts, transport unions, and road safety professionals. Such dialogue will help produce legislation that effectively promotes road safety while preserving the constitutional rights and dignity of every Nigerian.
Nigeria needs laws that unite rather than divide, protect lives without unnecessarily restricting freedoms, and strengthen public confidence in democratic governance.”
The Christian group concluded by reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement with the government to promote justice, peace, constitutional democracy, and national development.
