The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has urged President Bola Tinubu to reject the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that the provision imposing a ₦50,000 fine for preaching in commercial buses violates constitutional rights and could fuel religious tension.
NOSCEF Says Bill Threatens Religious Freedom
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, the forum described the proposed provision as unconstitutional. It argued that punishing peaceful preaching in commercial buses would violate Nigerians’ rights to freedom of religion, freedom of expression and the peaceful spread of their faith as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Furthermore, Oibe warned that the amendment could weaken national unity and peaceful coexistence among different religious groups.
“It is a dangerous encroachment on the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Nigerians to freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and peaceful propagation of their faith,” Oibe said.
He added that the provision “has the potential to generate unnecessary tension and undermine the harmonious coexistence of our diverse religious communities.”
Forum Appeals to Tinubu
Meanwhile, NOSCEF appealed to President Tinubu not to sign any law that punishes peaceful evangelism. The forum warned that approving such legislation could trigger avoidable controversy and deepen existing divisions across the country.
“We respectfully urge Mr. President not to allow himself to be drawn into endorsing legislation that could plunge the nation into avoidable controversy and deepen existing divisions,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the forum stressed that preaching the Gospel remains a core obligation of the Christian faith. It said no legislation should prevent Christians from carrying out what they believe is a divine mandate.
“The Christian faith is founded on the divine mandate given by our Lord Jesus Christ to ‘go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.’ The Holy Scriptures further instruct believers to preach the Word ‘in season and out of season.’ This is not a political assignment but a sacred responsibility that Christians cannot abandon because of human legislation,” Oibe said.
Christians Pledge Peaceful Evangelism
However, NOSCEF maintained that Christians have always carried out evangelism peacefully and without force. The forum said believers respect the rights of others while sharing their faith.
“As law-abiding citizens, Christians have always carried out evangelism peacefully and without coercion. We do not compel anyone to embrace our faith, but we cannot surrender our God-given responsibility to proclaim the Gospel wherever lawful opportunities exist,” the statement added.
Consequently, the group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“We shall continue to obey God while respecting the rights and dignity of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious affiliation.”
Forum Seeks Review of Amendment
Meanwhile, NOSCEF questioned whether religious stakeholders were consulted before lawmakers included the controversial provision. It noted that public preaching remains common among both Christians and Muslims across Nigeria.
In response, the forum said it supports stronger road safety measures and effective traffic law enforcement. However, it insisted that such laws must not weaken constitutional freedoms.
“Road safety legislation should not become a vehicle for restricting fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement said.
Consequently, the forum called on the National Assembly to review the amendment and remove any provision that criminalises peaceful religious preaching.
Furthermore, it urged Nigerians to remain calm and seek redress through lawful and democratic means. It added that the country’s unity would be better protected by laws that defend the rights of every citizen rather than those capable of creating suspicion, resentment and religious tension.
