The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West zone, has opposed the proposed ₦50,000 fine for preaching inside commercial vehicles, arguing that the measure violates Nigerians’ constitutional rights. The association has also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject the bill and allow wider consultations before any final decision is taken.
The reaction comes after the Senate passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles. The bill also recommends a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests carried out on reasonable suspicion.
In a statement issued by its South-West Chairman, Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, CAN expressed concern over the proposed legislation, especially the provision targeting religious preaching in commercial buses.
The association stated, “While government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure public safety, it also has an equal obligation to uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression.”
CAN argued that any law capable of limiting these rights must be carefully scrutinised to ensure it is constitutional and justified.
It added, “We believe that any legislation capable of restricting these rights should be carefully examined to ensure that it is necessary, proportionate, and consistent with constitutional principles.”
The Christian body further warned that prohibiting religious preaching without evidence that it poses a direct threat to public safety could be seen as an unnecessary restriction on religious freedom.
CAN therefore appealed to President Tinubu not to sign the bill into law until more consultations have been held with religious bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
