CCN faults proposed FRSC bill, says ban on bus preaching unconstitutional

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has called for a review of provisions in the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, expressing concern that some sections could infringe on constitutional rights and worsen the plight of vulnerable Nigerians.

 

The proposed amendment prescribes a ₦100,000 fine for traffic light violations and a ₦50,000 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 road accidents but raised objections to the provision banning preaching in commercial buses.

 

According to the CCN, categorising religious preaching alongside hawking and trading raises constitutional concerns over the 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,” the statement read.

 

The council noted that commercial buses have traditionally served as places where Christians share brief messages of hope, repentance, encouragement and prayer with willing passengers.

 

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

 

The CCN also criticised the proposed penalty for hawking in commercial buses, saying fines alone would not address the root causes of street trading, including poverty, unemployment and economic hardship.

 

It urged the government to adopt more humane measures, such as creating designated trading areas, strengthening regulatory frameworks and implementing sustainable economic empowerment programmes.

 

The council appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to hold wider consultations before the bill becomes law, involving faith-based organisations, civil society groups, transport unions, road safety experts and representatives of vulnerable communities.

 

It stressed the need for legislation that balances public safety with the protection of fundamental human rights.

 

“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 added.

 

The council reaffirmed its commitment to justice, compassion, religious liberty and human dignity, pledging continued support for policies that promote both road safety and constitutional freedoms.