The Senate has clarified that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act, 2007, does not introduce a new ban on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles, amid public concerns over the legislation.
According to the upper chamber, both activities are already classified as offences under existing law, specifically Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.
The Senate explained that the provision, previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, has simply been renumbered as Item 49 in the ongoing amendment process, and has been part of Nigerian law since the Act’s enactment in 2007. The clarification was issued in a statement on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader.
The chamber also dismissed claims that the bill seeks to prohibit street preaching or restrict religious activity in public spaces. “It is about the safety of commuters and other road users and is not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space,” the statement said.
The Senate further clarified that the amendment was not sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, contrary to reports in some quarters. It said the bill originated from the House of Representatives and is before the Senate as a concurrence bill, in line with the 1999 Constitution.
The chamber noted that the legislative process remains ongoing and urged stakeholders with concerns to channel their views through appropriate legislative processes ahead of the bill’s eventual passage, reiterating its commitment to transparency and public engagement.
