The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West zone, has rejected the proposed ban on preaching inside commercial vehicles, warning that the provision could violate Nigerians’ constitutional rights.
The position followed the Senate’s passage of 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 prescribes a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.
In a statement issued by the South-West Chairman of CAN, Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, the association said the proposed legislation should be carefully reviewed to ensure it does not infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights, particularly freedom of religion and expression.
CAN argued that while the government has a duty to promote road safety, it must equally protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians. The body warned that banning religious preaching without evidence that it poses a direct threat to public safety could be seen as an unnecessary restriction on religious freedom and fuel avoidable public tension.
The association also opposed the proposed prohibition of hawking in commercial vehicles, noting that many Nigerians rely on informal trading for their livelihoods. It urged the government to focus on creating jobs, reducing poverty, improving public transportation, strengthening security, and enhancing citizens’ welfare instead of introducing measures that could worsen economic hardship.
CAN appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the bill in its current form and initiate wider consultations with religious organisations, civil society groups, legal experts, transport unions, and road safety professionals to produce legislation that balances road safety with the constitutional rights and dignity of Nigerians.
