South-West CAN urges Tinubu to withhold assent to FRSC amendment bill

— Calls for broader consultations

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West Region, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that some provisions of the legislation could infringe on constitutional rights and worsen economic hardship.

The regional body, through its Chairman, Bishop Dr. Barnabas Tunde Akin Akinsanya, said it supports efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents but expressed concerns over clauses prescribing sanctions for preaching in commercial buses and banning hawking in such vehicles.

In a statement, South-West CAN said road safety measures should not come at the expense of citizens’ fundamental freedoms and sources of livelihood.

“Road safety is the responsibility of government, but such efforts must be balanced with constitutional guarantees of freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression,” the statement said.

The association argued that a blanket prohibition on religious preaching in commercial buses, without clear evidence that such activities pose a direct threat to public safety, could amount to an unnecessary restriction on religious liberty and create avoidable tension.

CAN also raised concerns over the proposed ban on hawking in commercial vehicles, noting that thousands of Nigerians depend on informal trading for their daily income.

“Introducing policies capable of depriving vulnerable citizens of their means of livelihood, especially amid prevailing economic challenges, could further deepen poverty and hardship,” it said.

Rather than introduce measures that may worsen socio-economic challenges, the association urged the Federal Government to prioritise job creation, poverty reduction, improved public transportation, enhanced security and policies that promote citizens’ welfare.

It appealed to President Tinubu to return the bill for further consultations before granting assent.

CAN recommended broader engagement with religious organisations, civil society groups, legal practitioners, transport unions and road safety experts to develop legislation that improves road safety without compromising constitutional rights and human dignity.

According to the association, inclusive dialogue would ensure wider public acceptance while achieving the objective of protecting lives on Nigerian roads.

South-West CAN maintained that Nigeria requires laws that promote national unity, protect lives and strengthen public confidence in democratic governance.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government in advancing justice, peace, constitutional democracy and sustainable development.

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