CCN Urges Tinubu, NASS to Review FRSC Bill Proposing ₦50,000 Fine for Preaching in Buses
By Victor Idajili
The Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN, has asked President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to review the proposed FRSC Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to impose a ₦50,000 fine for preaching, hawking or trading in commercial buses.
The Council said it supports efforts to improve road safety, but warned that grouping peaceful Christian evangelism with commercial activities raises constitutional issues around freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
The appeal was made in a statement signed by the Council’s General Secretary, Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara.
The Senate recently passed the amendment bill. It proposes:
₦100,000 fine for motorists who violate traffic lights ,₦50,000 fine for anyone caught hawking, trading, or preaching in commercial buses
The CCN said while reducing distractions in commercial vehicles is a valid goal, lumping preaching together with hawking and trading could create legal and constitutional problems.
“While the objective may be to reduce distractions in commercial vehicles, the inclusion of preaching alongside hawking and trading raises legitimate concerns about freedom of religion and freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The Council noted that for decades, commercial buses have been used by Christians to share brief messages of hope, repentance, encouragement, and prayer with willing passengers.
It warned that restricting such peaceful religious activities without wider scrutiny could give the impression that Christian evangelism is being unfairly targeted.
The CCN also faulted the proposed fine for street hawkers, describing it as punitive at a time many Nigerians are struggling with unemployment, poverty and high cost of living.
The Council argued that people resort to hawking out of economic necessity, and urged government to address the root causes instead of criminalising survival.
It recommended establishing designated trading areas, introducing proper regulations, and expanding economic empowerment programmes for vulnerable citizens.
The Christian body urged President Tinubu to withhold assent until broader consultations are held with religious organisations, civil society groups, transport unions, road safety experts, and representatives of vulnerable communities.
“According to the CCN, Nigeria requires legislation that balances public safety with the protection of fundamental human rights,” the statement added.
It said laws should unite Nigerians, protect religious liberty, uphold justice and compassion, and avoid creating divisions or perceptions of discrimination.
