CAN Opposes Proposed Ban on Preaching and Hawking in Commercial Vehicles

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West region, has expressed strong opposition to the newly passed Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to penalize preaching and trading inside commercial vehicles.

Passed by the Senate, the legislation proposes a N50,000 fine for individuals convicted of hawking, trading, or preaching in commercial transport. It also introduces a N50,000 fine and up to six months’ imprisonmentfor motorists who refuse to comply with roadside breath tests administered by FRSC officials under reasonable suspicion.

In a statement released on Thursday by the South-West CAN Chairman, Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, the association acknowledged the government’s objective of enhancing road safety. However, it argued that the provisions targeting religious preaching and informal trading infringe upon fundamental constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression, conscience, and religion.

CAN cautioned that prohibiting preaching without demonstrating a direct threat to public safety could cause unnecessary public tension and restrict individual rights. The organization also addressed the ban on informal trading, noting that many citizens rely on it for daily survival amid current economic challenges.

The religious body has appealed to the President to withhold assent to the bill in its current form. It advocates for broader stakeholder consultations involving religious organizations, legal professionals, civil society, and transport unions to balance public safety goals with the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.