Nigeria President Tinubu urged to block FRSC bill banning bus preaching

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill 2026, passed by the Senate, would impose a fine of ₦50,000, up to six months imprisonment, for preaching, hawking or trading in commercial buses. Lawmakers say the measure is intended to reduce driver distraction and maintain public peace.

Christian organisations – the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Christian Council of Nigeria – have protested, arguing the provision discriminates against Christians, infringes constitutional freedom of religion and expression, and diverts attention from pressing national challenges. They have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withhold assent and to open wider consultation with religious bodies, civil‑society groups and transport unions.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) welcomed the draft, stating that preaching inside buses can distract drivers and threaten public order, and urged lawmakers to expedite the bill. The legislation is currently awaiting presidential assent.