The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West zone, has opposed a proposed law seeking to ban preaching inside commercial vehicles, saying the measure could violate citizens’ constitutional rights and religious freedom.
The association’s position followed the Senate’s passage of 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.
The legislation also seeks to impose a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, on motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during roadside breath tests carried out on reasonable suspicion.
Reacting to the development, the South-West Chairman of CAN, Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, said while the association supports efforts to improve road safety, the proposed legislation must not undermine constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Akinsanya said, “We acknowledged 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 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.
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“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 restricting religious preaching without proof that it endangers public safety could be viewed as an unnecessary limitation on freedom of religion and may create avoidable tension.
The association also raised concerns about the proposed ban on hawking in commercial vehicles, noting that many Nigerians rely on informal trading to earn a living.
According to the statement, “Many Nigerians depend on legitimate informal trading for their daily survival. Rather than adopting measures that may further worsen economic hardship, government should prioritise policies that create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, improve public transportation, strengthen security, and enhance the welfare of citizens.
“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.”
CAN reaffirmed its willingness to continue engaging with the government on policies that promote justice, peace, constitutional democracy and national development.