Senate Clarifies FRSC Bill On Preaching In Commercial Vehicles
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The Senate has clarified that the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act does not introduce a fresh ban on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles, but merely reaffirms an existing provision already contained in the law.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Senate Leader, the upper legislative chamber said it was responding to public concerns and misconceptions surrounding the proposed amendment.
According to the Senate, the prohibition on preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles has been part of Nigeria’s road safety regulations for years. It explained that Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, alongside Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already classifies such activities as offences.
The statement noted that the provision was originally listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the 2007 Act and has remained in force 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 should not be interpreted as an attempt to outlaw street preaching or restrict religious activities in public spaces.
Rather, it said the provision is intended solely to enhance the safety of commuters and other road users by discouraging activities that could distract drivers or disrupt passenger movement within commercial vehicles.
The chamber also dismissed reports suggesting that the bill was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. It clarified that the legislation originated in the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate as a concurrence bill, which requires approval by both chambers before it can be transmitted for presidential assent.
The Senate further stated that the legislative process is still ongoing and encouraged stakeholders, religious groups and other interested Nigerians to channel their observations and concerns through the appropriate legislative processes before the amendment is concluded.
