The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has strongly criticized the National Assembly over a proposed law that would restrict preaching inside commercial vehicles, vowing that Christians will resist any attempt to enforce such a provision.
Reacting to the controversy surrounding the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, Oke insisted that Christians would continue preaching in commercial buses despite the proposed restriction. “Be ready to arrest all of us because we will break that law,” the PFN president said, emphasizing that evangelism is a core obligation for Christians.
PFN President Accuses Lawmakers of Misplaced Priorities
The cleric accused lawmakers of focusing on peaceful religious activities while failing to adequately address critical issues such as insecurity, kidnapping, and other violent crimes affecting Nigerians. He argued that preaching messages of peace should not be treated as a criminal activity and maintained that Christians would continue sharing their faith regardless of any restrictions.
The controversy follows reports that the amended FRSC legislation contains provisions that prohibit activities including preaching, hawking, and trading inside commercial vehicles, with offenders facing a possible ₦50,000 fine. The PFN is not the only Christian body that has criticized the provision.
Christian Organisations Express Concern Over Religious Freedom
Several Christian organisations have expressed concerns that the restriction could affect the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression. The groups argued that while road safety measures are important, preaching should not be placed in the same category as activities such as hawking and trading inside vehicles. They urged the government to reconsider the provision and engage religious stakeholders before taking further action.
The Senate has defended the provision, saying the restriction is not a new attempt to ban Christianity or religious activities. According to the Senate, the rule against preaching, hawking, and trading inside commercial vehicles has existed in Nigerian road traffic regulations since previous legislation, including the Federal Road Safety Commission Establishment Act, 2007. Lawmakers said the aim is to reduce distractions inside vehicles and improve safety for passengers and road users, adding that the provision does not prohibit preaching in other public spaces.
Debate Continues Over Proposed FRSC Amendment
The controversial provision has continued to generate debate among religious leaders, lawmakers, and Nigerians. While critics argue that it could infringe on religious freedom, supporters of the measure say it is intended to regulate activities inside moving commercial vehicles and prevent distractions. The bill has not introduced a nationwide ban on preaching, but the proposed restriction on preaching inside commercial buses remains the focus of the ongoing debate.
