The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West zone, has kicked against the proposed ₦50,000 fine for preaching in commercial vehicles, describing the provision as a possible violation of Nigerians’ constitutional rights.
The reaction followed the passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by the Senate, which seeks to impose penalties on individuals convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The bill proposes a ₦50,000 fine for offenders, while motorists who fail to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion could face a ₦50,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both.
Reacting to the development, the South-West Chairman of CAN, Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, said the association had “serious concerns” over the provisions, especially those relating to preaching and hawking in commercial buses.
Akinsanya said, “While 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.”
He added, “We believe that any legislation capable of restricting these rights should be carefully examined to ensure that it is necessary, proportionate, and consistent with constitutional principles.”
CAN argued that religious preaching in commercial vehicles should not be prohibited unless there is clear evidence that it poses a direct threat to public safety.
The association warned that such a restriction could create concerns over the protection of religious freedom in the country.
“Banning religious preaching without proof that it poses a direct threat to public safety could create the impression of an unnecessary restriction on religious freedom,” CAN said.
The Christian body appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the bill and allow wider consultations with relevant stakeholders before taking a final decision.
The Senate’s passage of the FRSC Amendment Bill has sparked debate among stakeholders, with some arguing that the proposed measures would improve road safety and reduce distractions in commercial vehicles, while others have raised concerns about their impact on constitutional freedoms.
