Christian Council faults FRSC bill’s N50k fine for preaching in buses
Earlier today, July 19, 2026, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) criticised the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill 2026 passed by the Senate, which imposes a ₦100,000 fine for traffic‑light violations and a ₦50,000 fine for hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial buses. In a statement signed by General Secretary Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, the CCN said it supports safer roads but objects to placing preaching alongside hawking and trading, arguing that the ban infringes constitutional freedoms of religion and expression and unfairly targets Christian evangelism on buses.
For many Nigerians, especially informal traders and faith‑based groups, commercial buses are a daily venue for sharing prayers, encouragement or selling goods. The proposed ₦50,000 penalty could push already struggling vendors deeper into poverty and silence religious expression that passengers often welcome. The CCN warns that punitive fines alone won’t solve the root causes of street trading—poverty, unemployment and lack of official market spaces—and could deepen hardship for low‑income commuters who rely on buses for work and worship.
The Council urges the President, National Assembly and stakeholders to hold broader consultations involving faith groups, civil society, transport unions and vulnerable communities before the bill becomes law. It suggests alternatives such as designated trading zones, better market infrastructure and economic empowerment programmes instead of heavy fines. If the bill proceeds, the fines would take effect after presidential assent; commuters and traders should monitor NASS updates and consider engaging their representatives to voice concerns.