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, describing reports suggesting otherwise as misleading.
According to the Senate, both activities are already 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 upper chamber explained that the relevant provision, previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule to the Act, has merely been renumbered as Item 49 in the amendment bill currently before the National Assembly.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the Senate said the provision has remained part of Nigeria’s road traffic laws since the FRSC Establishment Act was enacted in 2007.
It also dismissed claims that the amendment seeks to ban street preaching or restrict religious activities in public spaces.
“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 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 statement, the bill originated in the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate as a concurrence bill in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The Senate noted that the legislative process is still ongoing and urged individuals and groups with concerns about the bill to engage the National Assembly through the appropriate legislative channels before its consideration is concluded.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and public participation, the Senate said the proposed amendment is intended to strengthen road safety regulations and enhance the protection of commuters and other road users across the country.
This version improves readability, eliminates repetitive references to “the Senate” and “the provision,” clarifies the purpose of the statement, and follows a cleaner inverted-pyramid news structure.
