PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SECULAR ADVOCACY FORUM AND CRITICAL THINKING EDUCATION INITIATIVE COMMEND THE SENATE, CALL FOR EQUAL APPLICATION OF THE LAW ON RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC SPACES
The Secular Advocacy Forum (SAF) and the Critical Thinking Education Initiative (Crithink) commend the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for passing the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which prescribes sanctions against hawking, trading and unsolicited preaching in commercial vehicles.
This action of the legislature is a welcome step towards promoting road safety, protecting passengers from unwanted disturbances and preserving the intended purpose of commercial transportation. Public vehicles exist to transport passengers safely, not to become platforms for commercial solicitation or religious evangelism.
The passage of this Bill affirms an important principle: no individual or group should impose unwanted activities on members of the public using shared public facilities.
However, this principle should not end at commercial vehicles.
We respectfully urge the National Assembly to strengthen the Bill by prohibiting the indiscriminate obstruction of public roads for religious activities, including congregational prayers on highways and major roads, without lawful authorization or adequate traffic control.
Across Nigeria, public roads are frequently occupied by Muslims during Friday congregational prayers, resulting in protracted traffic congestion, disruption of economic activities, delays for emergency services, and infringement of Nigerians’ constitutional right to move freely.
Religious freedom is a fundamental constitutional right. Equally fundamental is the right to freedom of movement. Neither right is superior to the other. Every constitutional right must be exercised with due regard for the rights and freedoms of others.
No religious group should enjoy privileges that permit the occupation of public roads while similar conduct in other public spaces is prohibited. The law must be neutral, consistent and applied without fear, favour or discrimination.
If unsolicited preaching in commercial vehicles is considered sufficiently intrusive to warrant legal sanctions, then the unauthorized occupation of public roads for religious purposes deserves the same legislative attention.
We therefore call on the House of Representatives and the Senate to amend the Bill to expressly prohibit the unauthorized obstruction or occupation of public roads for religious activities or any other non-emergency purpose, except where such activities have received lawful approval and appropriate traffic management arrangements have been made.
Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when laws are applied equally to all citizens and institutions, irrespective of religious affiliation.
The Secular Advocacy Forum and the Critical Thinking Education Initiative remain resolute in promoting constitutionalism, equal citizenship, public safety, freedom of conscience and evidence-based public policy in the spirit of section 10, 38 and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution which guarantees secularism, religious freedom and non-discrimination.
Issued Jointly By:
Secular Advocacy Forum (SAF)
Critical Thinking Education Initiative (Crithink)
Signed:
Ikechukwu Obasi, Esq.
President
Secular Advocacy Forum (SAF)
Genesis Eririoma
Founder & Chairman
Critical Thinking Education Initiative (Crithink)
