The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South West Region, has called on President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that some of its provisions could infringe on Nigerians’ constitutional rights and worsen economic hardship.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Bishop Dr. Barnabas Tunde Akin Akinsanya, the regional Christian body said although it supports the Federal Government’s efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents, it is concerned about provisions prescribing sanctions for preaching in commercial buses and prohibiting hawking in such vehicles.
CAN argued that while the government has a duty to protect road users, it must also uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression.
The association maintained that any law capable of limiting these rights should be carefully scrutinised to ensure it is necessary, proportionate and consistent with constitutional principles.
It warned that a blanket ban on religious preaching in commercial buses, without clear evidence that such activities pose a direct threat to public safety, could be perceived as an unnecessary restriction on religious liberty and trigger avoidable public tension.
On the proposed ban on hawking in commercial vehicles, CAN noted that many Nigerians rely on legitimate informal trading for their daily livelihood, stressing that government should focus on creating jobs, reducing poverty, improving public transportation, strengthening security and enhancing citizens’ welfare instead of introducing measures that could deepen economic hardship.
The Christian body appealed for wider consultations involving religious organisations, civil society groups, legal experts, transport unions and road safety professionals before the bill is signed into law.
According to CAN, broader stakeholder engagement would help produce legislation that promotes road safety without undermining constitutional freedoms or the dignity of Nigerians.
The association said Nigeria needs laws that protect lives while preserving fundamental rights, fostering national unity and strengthening public confidence in democratic governance.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government in the pursuit of justice, peace, constitutional democracy and national development.
Written by Wahab Akinlade