The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Bill over provisions that could penalise preaching in commercial vehicles.
The church body expressed concern that the amendment would classify preaching alongside hawking and trading in commercial buses, warning that such a provision could undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights.
The Senate recently passed amendments to the FRSC Act, introducing tougher sanctions for various traffic offences aimed at improving road safety and compliance. Among the proposed penalties is a ₦100,000 fine for motorists who violate traffic lights, road signs or other traffic control devices.
The bill also proposes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses.
In a statement signed by its President, Elder Israel Akinadewo, the OAIC argued that equating peaceful Christian evangelism with commercial activities was inappropriate and could infringe on the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
The association said preaching in commercial vehicles has long served as a means of spreading faith, hope, repentance, moral values and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. It warned that criminalising peaceful religious expression would amount to an unnecessary restriction on citizens’ fundamental freedoms.
While supporting measures to improve road safety and public order, the OAIC urged the National Assembly to revisit the contentious provisions through broader consultations with religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, peaceful coexistence and responsible religious practice, while encouraging preachers to conduct evangelism responsibly and with due regard for public order.
