PFN Rejects Law Banning Preaching In Vehicles, Urges President Tinubu To Withhold Assent

… Says law deliberately targeted at Christians

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the Federal Road Safety Corps Amendment Bill 2026, arguing that the proposed legislation banning preaching in commercial vehicles is discriminatory and specifically targets Christians.

The PFN position was made known on Thursday by the National Secretary of the, Bishop David Bakare, while briefing journalists after the 3rd Quarterly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the fellowship in Lagos.

Bakare said although the PFN appreciates the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Assembly to improve road safety, the fellowship believes the proposed legislation is unnecessary and could inflame religious tensions in the country.

According to him, the bill, which proposes a ₦50,000 fine, six months imprisonment or both for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles, creates the impression that it is aimed at Christians.

“We appreciate the intention of the lawmakers to strengthen road safety and ensure safer roads for all Nigerians. However, we do not think this is one of the urgent issues confronting the nation at this time,” Bakare said.

He argued that Nigeria is grappling with more pressing challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship and poor infrastructure, which should command the attention of lawmakers instead of legislation that could generate religious controversy.

The PFN National Secretary questioned the rationale behind classifying preaching inside commercial vehicles as a traffic offence, saying there was no evidence that such activities had resulted in accidents or distracted drivers.

He also maintained that aspects of the proposed law conflict with constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion and expression.
Bakare further criticised what he described as selective attention by lawmakers, noting that if the objective was to eliminate road obstruction, similar provisions should address other activities that impede traffic regardless of religion.
He disclosed that the fellowship was also concerned about reports suggesting that the bill was awaiting presidential assent without completing the full legislative process, including concurrence by the House of Representatives.

The PFN appealed to President Tinubu to return the bill for wider consultation rather than sign it into law, insisting that stakeholders likely to be affected should be given an opportunity to make their contributions.
“We do not want confrontation with the government, but we believe this law is capable of creating unnecessary religious tension in a sensitive country like Nigeria,” Bakare said.

He warned that if the government insists on enforcing the legislation, Christians would regard it as an attempt to restrict their constitutionally guaranteed right to preach the gospel peacefully.

Responding to questions after the briefing, Bakare also called on the Federal Government to sustain the momentum against insecurity by intensifying operations against bandits, while urging lawmakers to prioritise legislation that addresses poverty, security and the welfare of Nigerians.

On the issue of a repeat of Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 elections, he said the church had not changed its position, adding that journalists should consult previous PFN statements on the matter.