CCN Urges Review of FRSC Amendment Bill, Raises Concerns Over Bus Preaching Ban

By Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles
CCN News Correspondent, Abuja

ABUJA, Nigeria | July 17, 2026 — The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has called for a comprehensive review of the controversial provisions of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, urging the Federal Government and the National Assembly to balance road safety enforcement with constitutional rights, compassion, and the nation’s current economic realities.

In a press statement issued by the National President of the Christian Council of Nigeria, His Grace, Most Revd. Dr. David Onuoha, the Council expressed concern over aspects of the Bill that prescribe a ₦100,000 fine for traffic light violations and a ₦50,000 fine for hawking, trading, or preaching in commercial buses.

While reaffirming its support for initiatives that improve road safety and protect lives, the Council noted that the provision restricting preaching in commercial buses raises legitimate concerns about freedom of religion and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to the statement, commercial buses have, for many years, provided opportunities for Christians to share brief messages of hope, repentance, encouragement, and prayer with willing listeners. The Council stressed that any legislation affecting peaceful religious expression should be carefully examined to ensure that constitutional freedoms are preserved and that no faith community feels unfairly targeted.

The Council also expressed concern over the proposed penalties for hawking, observing that many Nigerians engage in petty trading as a means of survival due to widespread unemployment and economic hardship. It stated that poverty should not be criminalised and recommended practical alternatives such as designated trading areas, appropriate age restrictions, and sustainable economic empowerment programmes where public safety requires restrictions.

The Christian Council of Nigeria therefore appealed to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders to engage in wider consultation before the proposed amendment becomes law. The Council said such consultations should involve faith based organisations, civil society groups, transport unions, road safety experts, and representatives of vulnerable communities.

“Nigeria needs laws that are firm yet compassionate, laws that protect lives without placing unbearable burdens on citizens who are already struggling to survive,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, peace, responsible governance, and the protection of fundamental human rights, the Council urged policymakers to ensure that public safety measures strengthen national unity while respecting the constitutional rights and dignity of every Nigerian.

The press statement, issued by the National President, His Grace, Most Revd. Dr. David Onuoha, was signed by the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D.

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