Nigerian Pentecostal Leaders Vow to Defy Bus Preaching Ban

Prominent religious leaders are challenging the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill 2026, which proposes a ₦50,000 fine for preaching, hawking, or trading in commercial vehicles. Francis Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, condemned the legislation as an "evil decree" and urged the organization's 65 million members to defy the law. Oke argued that evangelism is a divine mandate and criticized lawmakers for targeting peaceful preachers while ignoring violent criminals, kidnappers, and bandits.

Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also criticized the bill during a sermon at Faith Tabernacle in Canaanland. Oyedepo argued that the government should prioritize national insecurity and the killing of citizens over regulating religious activities on public transport, alleging that those responsible for violence are sponsored by powerful interests. Other religious leaders, including Dr. Paul Enenche and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, have similarly expressed opposition to the restrictions.

The Senate of Nigeria responded by clarifying that the prohibition of preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles is not a new measure, but has been part of Nigerian law since the 2007 Federal Road Safety Commission Establishment Act and National Road Traffic Regulations. The Senate maintained that the current amendment aims to ensure the safety of commuters and road users rather than undermine religious freedom.