The Christian Association of Nigeria rejected a proposed ban on preaching inside commercial vehicles. The association acted against provisions in the Federal Road Safety Corps Amendment Bill that sought to criminalise such activities.
Christian Association of Nigeria leaders warned that the legislation threatened religious freedoms. General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria Rev. Evans Onyemara signed a statement that expressed deep concern over the inclusion of preaching among prohibited acts.
Leaders of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches also opposed the bill. The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withhold assent to the legislation in its current form. They argued that any law criminalising peaceful religious expression imposed unnecessary restrictions on citizens’ rights.
The Christian organisations noted that the ban would worsen conditions for vulnerable commuters. As a result, they urged lawmakers to remove the preaching clause from the amendment. Rev. Evans Onyemara stressed that the proposal infringed on Nigerians’ fundamental rights.
Christian Association of Nigeria advocated for safety regulations that respected religious practices. The bodies maintained that preaching in vehicles formed part of many citizens’ daily faith expression. Consequently, they pushed for dialogue before any final passage of the bill.
The rejection fueled discussions on religious freedom and public order. Christian groups continued to monitor the bill’s progress through the National Assembly.
