The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has vowed that Christians will resist the proposed law restricting preaching inside commercial vehicles, warning that the National Assembly must be prepared to arrest all Christians if the provision is enforced.
PFN President's Strong Warning
Reacting to the controversy surrounding the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, Bishop Oke declared 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, insisting that evangelism is a core obligation of Christians.
The cleric accused lawmakers of focusing on peaceful religious activities while failing to adequately address 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 despite any restrictions.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The controversy followed 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 proposed bill has sparked widespread debate across the country.
Christian Organisations Express Concerns
The PFN is not the only Christian body that has criticised the provision. 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.
Senate Defends the Provision
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.
Ongoing Debate and Impact
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.
