The Senate has responded to public concerns over reports claiming it is introducing a new ban on preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles, clarifying that the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Actdoes not create any fresh prohibition.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 27, by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Leader of the Senate, the upper legislative chamber said it had taken note of the widespread reactions generated by the proposed amendment.
According to the Senate, the activities in question have already been prohibited under existing laws for years, and the amendment merely retains those provisions in the revised legislation.
The statement explained that Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, together with Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already classify preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles as offences.
It noted that the provision currently appears as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the 2007 FRSC Act and has been part of Nigeria’s road traffic regulations for nearly two decades.
Under the proposed amendment, the same provision has simply been renumbered as Item 49 in the Second Schedule without altering its substance.
The Senate stressed that the amendment does not outlaw street preaching or religious activities in public spaces, contrary to claims circulating on social media.
“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 chamber also clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as some reports had suggested.
According to the statement, the legislation is a concurrence bill that was first amended and passed by the House of Representatives before being transmitted to the Senate for consideration, as required under the legislative process.
The Senate further stated that deliberations on the bill are still ongoing and encouraged stakeholders, interest groups and members of the public to channel their observations and recommendations through the appropriate legislative processes before the amendment is concluded.
The clarification comes amid growing public debate over the interpretation of the proposed amendment and its implications for religious activities and commercial transportation in Nigeria.
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