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 surrounding the legislation.
According to the upper chamber, preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles are already classified 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 merely 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 said the provision has been part of Nigerian law since the enactment of the FRSC Establishment Act in 2007.
The Senate also dismissed claims 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 reports 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 noted that the legislative process is still ongoing and urged stakeholders with concerns about the bill to channel their views through the appropriate legislative processes before its eventual passage.
The Senate reiterated its commitment to transparency and public engagement, stressing that the proposed amendment is primarily aimed at strengthening road safety measures and protecting commuters across the country.