Christian organisations have opposed a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act that would criminalise preaching in commercial vehicles, warning that it could violate constitutional rights.
The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the bill, which was passed by the Senate and now awaits presidential approval.
The proposed legislation seeks to impose a ₦50,000 fine, six months' imprisonment, or both, on anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The CCN said while it supports efforts to improve road safety, including measures to reduce driver distractions, the inclusion of preaching alongside hawking and trading raises concerns over freedom of religion and expression guaranteed by the Constitution.
The council also criticised the proposed penalty for hawkers, arguing that it criminalises poverty instead of addressing the underlying causes of unemployment and economic hardship.
Similarly, the OAIC described the bill as insensitive, saying peaceful religious preaching should not be equated with commercial activities.
The association called on the National Assembly to review the legislation through wider consultations with religious groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders before it becomes law.
Both organisations urged the government to strike a balance between promoting road safety and protecting Nigerians' constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.
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