Christian organisations across Nigeria have strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act that seeks to criminalise preaching inside commercial vehicles, warning that the move could infringe on Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.
The opposition emerged following the passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by the Nigerian Senate, which contains provisions seeking to prohibit certain activities inside commercial vehicles, including hawking, trading and preaching. The proposed legislation recommends a N50,000 fine for individuals found guilty of engaging in any of the prohibited activities in public transport vehicles.
The bill, which is aimed at strengthening road safety regulations and reducing activities considered capable of distracting drivers and endangering passengers, has now moved to the desk of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consideration and possible assent.
While lawmakers behind the amendment argue that the restrictions are necessary to improve road safety and prevent distractions that could contribute to accidents, several Christian bodies have raised concerns over the inclusion of preaching alongside commercial activities such as street trading.
The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), one of the major umbrella organisations representing Christian denominations in the country, said it supports measures designed to promote safety on Nigerian roads but expressed deep concern over what it described as the possible restriction of constitutionally protected religious activities.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Evans Onyemara, the council said road safety remains an important national priority, but warned that efforts to regulate public spaces should not undermine fundamental rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
According to the CCN, grouping preaching together with hawking and trading creates serious legal and human rights concerns because religious expression occupies a different category from commercial activities.
The council noted that commercial buses across Nigeria have historically served as informal platforms where Christians share short messages of faith, encouragement, prayers and moral teachings with passengers who are willing to listen.
It argued that such activities have become part of Nigeria’s social and religious culture, providing opportunities for people to receive words of hope and spiritual encouragement during daily journeys.
The organisation stressed that any attempt to restrict religious expression, especially in peaceful circumstances, must be subjected to careful constitutional review to ensure that citizens’ freedoms are not unnecessarily limited.
“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,” the council stated.
However, the body added that “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.”
Beyond the issue of preaching, the CCN also criticised the proposed financial penalty against hawkers operating in public spaces, arguing that such measures fail to address the economic realities forcing many Nigerians into informal trading.
The council maintained that many citizens involved in street vending and mobile businesses are struggling to survive due to unemployment, poverty and increasing economic hardship.
It warned that imposing heavy fines on economically vulnerable Nigerians could worsen their difficulties rather than solve the underlying challenges.
According to the Christian body, poverty should not be treated as a criminal offence, urging the government to focus on long-term solutions such as job creation, economic empowerment initiatives and the establishment of organised trading spaces.
The council recommended that authorities consider alternatives, including designated areas for traders, reasonable regulations based on age and safety considerations, and programmes that provide sustainable livelihoods for citizens.
The CCN called on President Tinubu, members of the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to ensure wider consultations before any final decision is made on the bill.
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Similarly, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has joined the growing opposition to the proposed legislation, calling on President Tinubu not to assent to the bill in its current form.
The OAIC, through a statement issued by its President, Israel Akinadewo, argued that criminalising preaching in commercial vehicles could amount to an unnecessary restriction of religious liberty.
The organisation said while it recognises the importance of maintaining safety and order on Nigerian roads, preaching should not be classified as a commercial activity or treated in the same manner as hawking and trading.
The group described the proposed restriction as insensitive, insisting that religious expression remains a fundamental right protected under Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“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 explained that preaching in buses and other public spaces has, over the years, provided a platform for sharing messages of faith, hope, morality, repentance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians from different backgrounds.
The OAIC appealed to the President and the National Assembly to review the controversial provisions through broader engagement with religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders before taking further action.
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to responsible religious conduct, urging preachers to respect public order and ensure that evangelism is conducted in a manner that does not inconvenience or endanger others.
As the debate continues, the proposed amendment has sparked wider conversations about balancing public safety regulations with the protection of fundamental freedoms in Nigeria. Supporters of the bill argue that restrictions are necessary to prevent distractions and improve road discipline, while critics insist that religious expression must not be placed on the same level as commercial activities.
The final decision now rests with President Tinubu, whose approval or refusal to assent to the bill will determine whether the proposed restrictions become part of Nigeria’s road safety laws.