Christian Elders ask Tinubu to reject bill seeking ban of preaching in Buses
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, over a provision prescribing a ₦50,000 fine for preaching in commercial buses. The forum described the provision as unconstitutional and capable of undermining religious freedom and national unity. […]
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, over a provision prescribing a ₦50,000 fine for preaching in commercial buses.
The forum described the provision as unconstitutional and capable of undermining religious freedom and national unity.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, NOSCEF said criminalising peaceful religious preaching in public transport amounted to an infringement on citizens’ fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.
The group said the proposed law, if allowed to stand, could heighten religious tension and create avoidable divisions in the country.
- FGC Kaduna PTA: Bullies risk indefinite suspension
- Boko Haram abducts Pastor’s wife, 3 children in Borno
“It is a dangerous encroachment on the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Nigerians to freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and peaceful propagation of their faith,” Oibe said.
He added that the provision “has the potential to generate unnecessary tension and undermine the harmonious coexistence of our diverse religious communities.”
The forum appealed to President Tinubu not to endorse any legislation that penalises peaceful evangelism, warning that such a move could spark controversy.
“We respectfully urge Mr. President not to allow himself to be drawn into endorsing legislation that could plunge the nation into avoidable controversy and deepen existing divisions,” the statement said.
NOSCEF maintained that preaching the Gospel remains a central obligation of the Christian faith and cannot be set aside because of legislation.
“The Christian faith is founded on the divine mandate given by our Lord Jesus Christ to ‘go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.’ The Holy Scriptures further instruct believers to preach the Word ‘in season and out of season.’ This is not a political assignment but a sacred responsibility that Christians cannot abandon because of human legislation,” Oibe said.
The forum also defended the conduct of Christian evangelism, insisting that believers had always carried out their religious activities peacefully and without coercion.
“As law-abiding citizens, Christians have always carried out evangelism peacefully and without coercion. We do not compel anyone to embrace our faith, but we cannot surrender our God-given responsibility to proclaim the Gospel wherever lawful opportunities exist,” the statement said.
According to the forum, Christians would continue to respect the rights of other citizens while fulfilling their religious obligations.
“We shall continue to obey God while respecting the rights and dignity of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious affiliation,” it added.
NOSCEF questioned whether religious stakeholders were consulted before the inclusion of the controversial provision, noting that public preaching is a common practice among both Christians and Muslims.
While expressing support for efforts aimed at improving road safety and strengthening traffic law enforcement, the group insisted that such measures should not come at the expense of constitutional rights.
“Road safety legislation should not become a vehicle for restricting fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it said.
The forum called on the National Assembly to review the amendment and remove any provision that seeks to criminalise peaceful religious preaching.
It also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and pursue their concerns through lawful and democratic means, stressing that the country’s unity would be better preserved through laws that protect the rights of all citizens rather than those capable of generating suspicion, resentment and religious tension.