PFN Rejects Nigeria Bus Preaching Fine, Vows to Continue Evangelizing

• The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) vows to resist any attempt to restrict Christians from preaching in commercial buses.
• The Senate clarifies that the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, does not introduce a new prohibition on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles.
• Existing provisions from the FRSC Establishment Act, 2007, and the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, are retained in the proposed amendment bill.
• The PFN's stance reflects a broader pattern of policies perceived as targeting Christians, highlighting concerns about individual freedoms and public safety.

We will preach in buses; they cannot stop us.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has taken a firm stance against any attempt to restrict Christians from preaching in commercial buses. The organization's president, Bishop Wale Oke, emphasized that believers would continue evangelizing even if such a law were enforced. This defiance is rooted in the conviction that public preaching is an essential aspect of their faith and a constitutional right. According to Oke, 'We will preach in buses; they cannot stop us.' The PFN's determination to resist any attempt to prohibit public evangelism reflects a broader pattern of policies perceived as targeting Christians.

The controversy surrounding the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has sparked debate over provisions related to preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles. The Senate has clarified that the bill does not introduce a new prohibition on these activities but rather retains existing provisions from the FRSC Establishment Act, 2007, and the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012. Regulation 220 of the latter regulation specifically addresses restrictions on commercial vehicles. The Senate's clarification aims to dispel concerns that the bill seeks to ban street preaching or restrict religious activities in public places.

The proposed restriction on bus preaching has sparked a heated debate about the balance between public safety and individual freedoms, particularly for Christians. The PFN's stance highlights the organization's commitment to upholding its members' constitutional right to propagate their faith. As the legislative process continues towards presidential assent, stakeholders are urged to channel their concerns through the appropriate channels. Lawyers advising clients on compliance with the proposed legislation should note that while the Senate has clarified the bill's intent, existing provisions may still be subject to interpretation and potential enforcement.

Lawyers advising clients on compliance with the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026 should note that while the Senate has clarified that the bill does not introduce a new prohibition on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles, the existing provisions may still be subject to interpretation and potential enforcement. They should advise their clients to monitor developments in the legislative process and consider submitting comments through the appropriate channels.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers