The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Bill, expressing concern over reports that the legislation could classify preaching in commercial vehicles alongside hawking and other prohibited activities.

Nigeria’s Senate recently approved amendments to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act, proposing significantly stiffer penalties for a wide range of traffic-related offences as part of efforts to improve road safety and strengthen compliance with traffic regulations.

Among the key provisions of the amendment bill is a proposed ₦100,000 fine for motorists who fail to obey traffic lights, road signs, road markings or other traffic control devices. The legislation also introduces a ₦50,000 penalty for individuals found hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial buses.

The OAIC, in a statement signed by its President, Elder Israel Akinadewo, said it was inappropriate to equate the peaceful proclamation of the Christian faith with commercial activities, arguing that such a provision could infringe on constitutionally guaranteed rights.

While acknowledging the importance of maintaining safety and order on Nigerian roads, OAIC maintained that preaching is protected under the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression and should not be treated as a criminal or commercial activity.

The association noted that preaching in commercial buses has, for many years, served as a channel for promoting faith, hope, moral values, repentance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

It warned that any law with the effect of criminalising peaceful religious expression could amount to an unnecessary restriction on citizens’ constitutional freedoms.

OAIC urged the National Assembly to review the contentious provisions through wider consultations with religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to ensure that efforts to improve road safety do not undermine fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, peaceful coexistence and responsible religious practice, adding that it supports measures that promote public order while respecting constitutional liberties.

It also encouraged religious leaders and preachers to conduct evangelistic activities responsibly and with due regard for public order, while calling on the government to continue protecting the freedoms of religion and expression as essential pillars of Nigeria’s democratic system.