The EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria has criticized the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act seeking to prohibit preaching in commercial vehicles and questioned the allocation of ₦6.14 billion for mosque-related projects in the 2026 Federal Budget, describing both developments as misplaced priorities at a time Nigeria is facing serious economic and security challenges.
Speaking with EYN News, Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, PhD said government institutions should concentrate on addressing issues that directly affect the lives of Nigerians rather than pursuing policies capable of generating unnecessary controversy or creating perceptions of unequal treatment.
The EYN President’s comments followed the passage by the Senate of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a ₦50,000 fine for anyone found preaching, hawking or trading in commercial vehicles. The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, is intended to reduce distractions capable of causing road crashes.
Reacting to the proposal, Rev. Dr. Mbaya said the FRSC should remain focused on its statutory responsibility of promoting road safety instead of attempting to regulate religious expression.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps should concentrate on making our roads safer. The condition of many federal highways is deplorable, and these poor roads contribute significantly to accidents and loss of lives. Rather than seeking to ban preaching in commercial vehicles, the Corps should continue to advocate for better road infrastructure, proper maintenance of highways and stronger road safety measures.”
He maintained that responsible preaching promotes moral values, peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship, adding that restricting peaceful religious activities would not address the real causes of road accidents.
The EYN President also expressed concern over the 2026 Appropriation Act, which provides approximately ₦8.05 billion for religious projects, including ₦6.14 billion for 52 mosque-related projects and about ₦1.91 billion for seven church-related projects.
While acknowledging that both Christian and Muslim projects received allocations, Rev. Dr. Mbaya questioned whether government should be funding religious infrastructure at all when the nation continues to grapple with insecurity, poverty, unemployment and inadequate public infrastructure.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with insecurity, poverty, unemployment, poor healthcare, inadequate education and failing infrastructure, these should be the priorities of government. Public funds should primarily be invested in projects that improve the welfare of all Nigerians regardless of their faith.”
He further noted that government must be careful to avoid actions capable of creating the perception of favouritism in a multi-religious society.
“Nigeria is a diverse nation, and government must be seen to treat every citizen and every faith fairly. You do not build a united, just and egalitarian society when public policies or budgetary allocations create the impression of disparity. Government should remain impartial and ensure that its actions strengthen national unity rather than raise questions about equity.”
Rev. Dr. Mbaya also called for consistency in the application of public policies affecting religious activities.
“If concerns are being raised about religious activities in public spaces, then such concerns should be addressed fairly and consistently across the board. We often witness public roads temporarily blocked during religious observances, and the use of loudspeakers for early morning calls to prayer. Any regulation should be impartial, constitutional and applied equally to everyone.”
The EYN President urged the National Assembly and the Federal Government to channel their attention toward tackling the country’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, youth unemployment, inflation, deteriorating roads and economic hardship, which he said remain the issues of greatest concern to ordinary Nigerians.
He reaffirmed EYN’s commitment to promoting peace, justice and national unity, urging leaders at all levels to pursue policies that uphold constitutional freedoms, guarantee fairness and advance the common good of every Nigerian.
