Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Organisation of African Instituted Churches has strongly opposed a provision in the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps Amendment Bill that would impose a ₦50,000 fine on anyone caught preaching inside commercial vehicles, urging President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the legislation. The Christian body, in a statement issued on July 18, 2026, by its President, Elder Israel Akinadewo, argued that equating the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking is "insensitive and inappropriate" and constitutes an infringement on constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
The Senate passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on July 16, introducing sweeping reforms to Nigeria's road traffic laws. Among the key provisions is a clause making it an offence to hawk, trade or preach inside commercial buses, with offenders liable to a ₦50,000 fine upon conviction. The bill also introduces a ₦100,000 fine for motorists who fail to obey traffic lights and road signs, and tougher penalties for drunk driving and reckless driving.
The OAIC, however, has taken particular issue with the provision targeting religious expression. In its statement, the association maintained that preaching is not a commercial activity but an exercise of the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression. "OAIC considers it insensitive and inappropriate to equate the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking," Akinadewo said. "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".
The association noted that for many years, preaching in commercial buses has served as a legitimate avenue for sharing messages of faith, hope, morality, repentance and peaceful coexistence. It warned that any law with the effect of criminalising peaceful religious expression could amount to an unnecessary restriction on the constitutional rights of Nigerians. The OAIC therefore called on President Tinubu not to assent to the bill in its present form and urged the National Assembly to review the relevant provisions through broad consultations with religious bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The Christian Council of Nigeria has also joined the opposition, expressing "deep concern" about the inclusion of preaching among prohibited activities. In a statement issued on July 18, the CCN argued that placing Christian evangelism in the same category as commercial activities raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns. The council also faulted the proposed ₦50,000 fine for hawkers, arguing that it addresses the symptoms of the country's economic crisis rather than its root causes, and that poverty should not be criminalised.
While acknowledging the importance of promoting safety and order on Nigerian roads, the OAIC said it supports measures that enhance road safety but urged lawmakers to ensure that such measures do not unnecessarily restrict constitutionally protected freedoms. The association reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, peaceful coexistence and responsible religious conduct, while encouraging preachers to carry out their evangelistic activities responsibly and with due regard for public order.
The bill now awaits presidential assent. If signed into law by President Tinubu, the legislation will impose the ₦50,000 fine on anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles, alongside six months' imprisonment for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests. The OAIC has made it clear that it will continue to press for the removal of the contentious provision, arguing that the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression must not be sacrificed in the name of road safety.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments