The Senate has clarified that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Act does not introduce a new ban on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles, but simply retains provisions that have existed in Nigerian law for years.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Senate Leader, the Senate said public concerns over reports of a fresh prohibition were based on a misunderstanding of the amendment.
According to the statement, Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act, 2007, and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already classify preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles as offences.
The Senate explained that the provision has existed for nearly two decades, appearing as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the 2007 Act. Under the proposed amendment, it has only been renumbered as Item 49 in the Second Schedule.
It emphasized that the legislation does not prohibit street preaching or other lawful religious activities in public places.
“The provision 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 also clarified that the amendment is not a private initiative of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. It explained that the bill originated in the House of Representatives and requires Senate concurrence before it can proceed in the legislative process.
The upper chamber added that the amendment process is still ongoing and encouraged stakeholders with concerns to present their views through the appropriate legislative channels before the bill is finalized.
