The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian organisations have expressed concern over proposed legislation seeking to regulate or restrict preaching in commercial buses, urging President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to review the bill.
While acknowledging the need to maintain public order and ensure a conducive transport environment, the Christian groups argued that the proposed legislation could infringe on the constitutional right to freedom of religion.
According to the coalition, Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to manifest and propagate religious beliefs.
CAN also maintained that bus evangelism has long served as a platform for moral instruction, spiritual encouragement and the promotion of ethical values, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.
The association further questioned what it described as unequal enforcement of public order regulations, arguing that bus preaching should not be singled out while other activities capable of causing public disruption, including religious gatherings that obstruct roads, are often left unchecked.
The Christian body called on the government to adopt a fair and balanced approach that protects public order without undermining citizens’ constitutional rights to religious expression.
Meanwhile, existing regulations already address activities considered disruptive in commercial vehicles. Under the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, preaching, hawking or any activity that constitutes a nuisance in moving passenger-carrying vehicles is prohibited.
The regulations prescribe a fine of ₦5,000 or a prison term of up to nine months for offenders. However, enforcement of the provision has historically been limited, prompting renewed debate over whether additional legislation is necessary.
