The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has opposed a provision in the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, urging President Bola Tinubu not to approve the legislation because it seeks to fine people ₦50,000 for preaching in commercial buses.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, the forum argued that the controversial clause violates constitutional rights and could damage religious harmony in the country.
NOSCEF said the proposed sanction infringes on Nigerians’ rights to freely practise and share their faith, warning that it could worsen religious tensions instead of promoting national unity.
“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 stated.
He further warned that the provision “has the potential to generate unnecessary tension and undermine the harmonious coexistence of our diverse religious communities.”
The Christian body appealed to Tinubu to decline assent to the bill, saying any law that punishes peaceful religious preaching would only create unnecessary controversy and further divide Nigerians.
“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.
The forum maintained that spreading the Gospel is a divine obligation for Christians and cannot be prohibited through legislation.
“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.
NOSCEF also insisted that Christians have always carried out evangelism peacefully, without compelling anyone to convert.
“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.
The group pledged that Christians would continue to respect people of all faiths while remaining committed to their religious mission.
“We shall continue to obey God while respecting the rights and dignity of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious affiliation,” it said.
NOSCEF questioned whether religious organisations were consulted before the clause was introduced, pointing out that public preaching is widely practised by both Christians and Muslims.
Although the forum welcomed efforts to improve road safety and strengthen traffic regulations, it insisted that such objectives should not come at the cost of constitutionally guaranteed 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 noted.
The forum urged the National Assembly to remove the disputed provision from the amendment bill and encouraged Nigerians to pursue their concerns peacefully through lawful channels, stressing that national unity can only be strengthened by laws that protect the rights of every citizen.
