Christian Coalition Urges President Tinubu to Reject Proposed Ban on Preaching in Public Transit

A prominent Christian umbrella organization has formally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withhold his assent from a newly passed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Bill, citing concerns over constitutional violations.

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria region, raised the alarm over provisions in the legislative amendment that seek to criminalize religious preaching inside commercial vehicles.

In a statement released by the OAIC President, Dr. Israel Akinadewo, the group argued that classifying the peaceful proclamation of faith alongside commercial hawking is inappropriate and insensitive. The association maintained that while maintaining order and safety on public roads is important, preaching remains a constitutionally protected right under the freedoms of religion and expression.

Akinadewo stated that equating the peaceful proclamation of the Gospel with commercial hawking is inconsistent with constitutional guarantees, noting that preaching in commercial buses has long been a legitimate medium for spreading messages of morality, faith, hope, and peaceful coexistence across the country.

The OAIC warned that treating religious expression as a criminal or commercial offense creates an unnecessary restriction on citizens’ rights. The group urged the National Assembly to reopen consultations with religious bodies, civil rights organizations, and key stakeholders to strike a balance between public safety and democratic freedoms.

The legislative amendment, which was recently passed by the Senate and currently awaits the President’s signature, introduces stricter regulations aimed at curbing driver distractions and enhancing road safety.

Key provisions of the bill include a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles. Additionally, the bill mandates a ₦50,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breathalyzer tests.

While the government maintains that the stiffer penalties are necessary to reduce road traffic accidents and enforce compliance, the OAIC has urged preachers to remain orderly while calling on the federal government to protect foundational democratic freedoms.