Opposing reactions are still trailing the Senate’s recent passing of the controversial Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) and other Christian organisations describing the provisions as discriminatory and inconsistent with the constitutional guarantee of the freedom of religion and expression.

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and others had also warned that some of its provisions could infringe on constitutional rights and place undue hardship on vulnerable Nigerians.

The proposed amendment prescribes a N100,000 fine for traffic light violations and a N50,000 fine for hawking, trading, or preaching in commercial buses.

On their part, the lawmakers argue that the provisions were aimed at reducing distractions and improving safety for drivers and passengers.

However, in a statement signed by the WOWICAN National Chairperson, Dr AyobamiAkinadewo, the body said that peaceful religious expression should not be criminalised.

Acknowledging the FRSC’s responsibility to promote road safety, it argued, however, that preaching should not be treated in the same category as activities that directly threaten it.

Therefore, WOWICAN urged President Bola Tinubu not to assent to any provision that criminalises preaching, and further called on the National Assembly to review the clause through consultations with religious bodies, legal experts and civil society organisations.

The group warned that legislation perceived as targeting religious expression could create division and set a precedent against constitutionally protected freedoms.

Nevertheless, WOWICAN urged Christian leaders and members to remain peaceful and law-abiding while using lawful and democratic channels to advocate for the protection of their constitutional rights.

Also faulting the provisions are CCN and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), who argue that placing evangelism alongside commercial activities such as hawking and trading raises concerns over the protection of religious freedom and freedom of expression.

In a statement over the weekend by its General Secretary, Evans Onyemara, the CCN reiterated its support for efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents nationwide, noting that compliance with traffic regulations is essential to safeguarding lives.

However, it argued that placing religious preaching in the same category as hawking and trading raises questions about the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.

It noted that “commercial buses have for decades served as platforms where Christians share brief messages of hope, repentance, encouragement, and prayer with willing passengers.

It maintained that “any restriction on such peaceful religious expression should be carefully scrutinised to ensure it does not undermine constitutional freedoms or create the perception that Christian evangelism is being unfairly targeted.”

The CNN also questioned the proposed fine for hawking in commercial buses, arguing that punitive sanctions do not address the underlying causes of street trading, including poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship.

Consequently, it urged the government to adopt more humane alternatives, such as designated trading areas, appropriate regulatory measures, and sustainable economic empowerment programmes, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

The council stressed that Nigeria requires legislation that balances public safety with the protection of fundamental human rights, adding that laws should be firm yet compassionate, and should not place excessive burdens on citizens facing economic challenges.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, compassion, religious liberty, and human dignity, the CCN said it would continue to support policies that uphold both public safety and constitutional freedoms.