South-West Christian body says bill could infringe on constitutional rights and religious freedom.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West zone, has rejected the proposed ban on preaching inside commercial vehicles contained in the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, warning that the provision could infringe on citizens’ constitutional rights.
The bill, recently passed by the Senate, proposes a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles. It also prescribes a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the South-West Chairman of CAN, Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, said while the association supports efforts to improve road safety, the proposed legislation requires careful review to ensure it does not unnecessarily restrict fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
“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,” the statement read.
CAN, however, expressed concern that the provision criminalising preaching in commercial vehicles could amount to an unnecessary restriction on freedom of religion and expression.
“Government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure public safety, but it also has an equal obligation to uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression,” the association stated.
According to CAN, legislation capable of limiting constitutional rights should be necessary, proportionate and consistent with democratic principles.
The association warned that prohibiting religious preaching without evidence that it poses a direct threat to public safety could create avoidable public tension and undermine religious freedom.
CAN also raised concerns over the proposed ban on hawking in commercial vehicles, noting that many Nigerians rely on legitimate informal trading for their daily livelihood amid prevailing economic challenges.
Rather than introducing measures that could worsen economic hardship, the group urged the government to prioritise policies that create jobs, reduce poverty, improve public transportation, strengthen security and enhance citizens’ welfare.
The Christian body appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the bill in its current form and encourage wider consultations with relevant stakeholders, including religious organisations, civil society groups, legal experts, transport unions and road safety professionals.
It maintained that such engagement would help produce legislation that promotes road safety without undermining constitutional rights.
“Nigeria needs laws that unite rather than divide, protect lives without unnecessarily restricting freedoms, and strengthen public confidence in democratic governance,” the statement added.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government in promoting justice, peace, constitutional democracy and national development.