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CAN South-West rejects proposed ban on preaching in commercial vehicles
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, South-West region, has opposed a proposed ban on preaching inside commercial vehicles, stating it could infringe on citizens' constitutional rights. This stance follows the Senate's passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps Amendment Bill, 2026, which includes a N50,000 fine for preaching, hawking, or trading in commercial vehicles. Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, South-West Chairman of CAN, issued a statement acknowledging the government's commitment to road safety but expressed concerns that the bill's provisions might restrict fundamental freedoms such as thought, conscience, religion, and expression. CAN argues that prohibiting religious preaching without direct evidence of a public safety threat could be seen as an unnecessary restriction on religious freedom and lead to public tension. The association also highlighted that many Nigerians rely on informal trading for survival and urged the government to prioritize policies that create employment and reduce poverty instead of worsening economic hardship. CAN appealed to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to withhold assent to the bill in its current form and to consult with stakeholders, including religious bodies and civil society organizations, to create legislation that balances road safety with constitutional rights and national unity.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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