The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria region, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu not to approve the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Bill, expressing concerns that some provisions could infringe on Nigerians’ constitutional rights.
The Christian body, led by its President, Dr Israel Akinadewo, raised concerns over a provision that reportedly places preaching inside commercial vehicles alongside activities such as hawking and illegal trading.
OAIC argued that treating religious preaching as a prohibited commercial activity is inappropriate and could undermine the constitutional freedoms of religion and expression guaranteed to Nigerians.
The group acknowledged the importance of maintaining safety and order on Nigerian roads but maintained that peaceful religious expression should not be criminalised.
According to the association, preaching in commercial buses has for years served as a means of sharing messages of faith, moral values, hope and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The organisation warned that restricting such activities through legislation could amount to an unnecessary limitation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
OAIC therefore urged President Tinubu to withhold assent to the bill in its current form and called on the National Assembly to engage religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders before making final decisions on the proposed provisions.
The group also reaffirmed its support for lawful and responsible religious practices, encouraging preachers to respect public order while urging the government to safeguard democratic freedoms.
The proposed FRSC amendment bill had earlier attracted attention after the Senate included a N50,000 fine for individuals convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The legislation, which is awaiting presidential approval, is aimed at improving road safety enforcement and reducing activities considered capable of distracting drivers.
The proposed amendment also includes penalties for motorists who fail to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted when there is reasonable suspicion of impairment, including a possible fine of N50,000, six months imprisonment, or both.
