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, following public concerns over the legislation.
According to the upper chamber, preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles are already recognised as offences under existing laws, 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 only been renumbered as Item 49 in the ongoing amendment process.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the chamber noted that the provision has been part of Nigerian law since the FRSC Establishment Act came into force in 2007.
The Senate also dismissed reports suggesting that the amendment bill seeks to prohibit street preaching or restrict religious activities 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 upper chamber further clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, contrary to claims circulating in some quarters.
According to the Senate, the legislation originated from the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate as a concurrence bill in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The chamber stated that the legislative process is still ongoing and urged stakeholders with concerns about the bill to engage through the appropriate legislative channels before its eventual passage.
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public participation, stressing that the proposed amendment is aimed at strengthening road safety measures and enhancing the protection of commuters and other road users across the country.
