SENATE CLARIFIES FRSC BILL DOES NOT INTRODUCE NEW BAN ON PREACHING IN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

The Senate has dismissed claims that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act, 2007, seeks to introduce a fresh ban on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles, stating that the provision has existed in Nigerian law for years.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the upper chamber explained that preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles are already recognised as traffic offences under Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.

According to the Senate, the ongoing amendment does not create any new offence but simply renumbers the existing provision from Item 36 to Item 49 in the Second Schedule of the Act.

The chamber noted that the provision has remained part of the FRSC Establishment Act since it was enacted in 2007, contrary to reports suggesting the amendment seeks to criminalise religious activities.

It stressed that the legislation is focused solely on enhancing road safety and ensuring the protection of commuters and other road users, rather than restricting public preaching or any form of lawful religious expression.

“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 Senate also refuted reports alleging that the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, sponsored the amendment bill.

It clarified that the proposed legislation originated in the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate for concurrence in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The upper chamber added that the legislative process is still underway and encouraged individuals and groups with concerns about the bill to present their views through the appropriate legislative channels before its final consideration.

Reaffirming its commitment to openness and public participation, the Senate said the amendment is intended to strengthen road safety regulations and improve the protection of road users nationwide.