It’s unconstitutional to stop preaching, prayers in commercial buses

The Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN, has called for a review of controversial provisions in the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, recently passed by the Senate, expressing concern over what he said could affect constitutional rights and impose undue hardship on vulnerable Nigerians.

The proposed amendment prescribes a N100,000 fine for traffic light violations and a N50,000 fine for hawking, trading, or preaching in commercial buses.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, the Council said it supports efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents across the country, noting that adherence to traffic regulations is essential for protecting lives.

However, the CCN expressed reservations about the provision prohibiting preaching in commercial buses, arguing that placing religious preaching in the same category as hawking and trading raises concerns about the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.

“The Council is deeply concerned about the provision prohibiting preaching in commercial buses. While the objective may be to reduce distractions, 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,” CCN said.

According to the Council, commercial buses have long served as venues where Christians share brief messages of hope, repentance, encouragement, and prayer with willing passengers.

It maintained that any restriction on such peaceful religious expression should be carefully examined to ensure it does not undermine constitutional freedoms or create the perception that Christian evangelism is being unfairly targeted.

The Council also questioned the proposed penalty for hawking in commercial buses, saying punitive fines do not address the underlying causes of street trading, including poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship.

It urged the government to adopt more humane alternatives, including designated trading areas, appropriate regulatory measures, and sustainable economic empowerment programmes, rather than relying solely on sanctions.

The CCN appealed to President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders to undertake broader consultations before the bill becomes law. It recommended that the process include faith-based organisations, civil society groups, transport unions, road safety experts, and representatives of vulnerable communities.

The Council stressed that Nigeria requires legislation that balances public safety with the protection of fundamental human rights, adding that laws should be firm yet compassionate and should not place excessive burdens on citizens facing economic challenges.

“Nigeria needs laws that are firm yet compassionate, laws that protect lives without placing unbearable burdens on citizens who are already struggling to survive.

“The Christian Council of Nigeria believes that legislation should unite rather than divide, protect rather than alienate, and promote both public safety and fundamental human rights,”the statement read.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, compassion, religious liberty, and human dignity, CCN said it will continue to support policies that promote both public safety and constitutional freedoms.