South-west CAN Rejects FRSC Amendment Bill, Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention

Nigeria's Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the South-west zone is appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withhold his assent from a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act. The Senate passed the bill, which includes sanctions for preaching in commercial vehicles and prohibits hawking within them. CAN leaders have described these provisions as anti-Christian and an infringement on fundamental rights.

While CAN supports the government's broader goals of enhancing road safety, the association expressed significant concern over the specific clauses targeting religious expression and informal trade. They argue that these measures could violate constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. CAN emphasized that while public safety is paramount, it must be balanced with upholding the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

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We therefore respectfully appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to withhold assent to the Bill in its present form and encourage further consultation with relevant stakeholders, including religious bodies, civil society organisations, legal experts, transport unions, and road safety professionals.

The association further cautioned that an outright ban on hawking in commercial buses could exacerbate the economic struggles of many Nigerians who depend on such informal trading for their livelihoods. Instead of measures that could reduce people's means of survival, CAN urged the government to prioritize job creation, poverty reduction, improved public transportation, and enhanced security.

CAN is calling for further consultations with various stakeholders, including religious bodies, civil society organizations, legal experts, transport unions, and road safety professionals. They believe such dialogue is essential to craft legislation that effectively promotes road safety while safeguarding the constitutional rights and dignity of all Nigerians. The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the government to foster justice, peace, and national development.

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Such dialogue will help produce legislation that effectively promotes road safety while preserving the constitutional rights and dignity of every Nigerian.