The Senate has clarified that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act, 2007, does not create a new prohibition on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the upper chamber explained that preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles are already offences under existing law, specifically Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.
According to the Senate, the provision, previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, has only been renumbered as Item 49 in the ongoing amendment process.
The Senate also dismissed reports suggesting the bill seeks to ban street preaching or restrict religious activities in public spaces, stressing that the provision is intended solely to enhance the safety of commuters and other road users.
It further clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, noting that it originated in the House of Representatives and is before the Senate as a concurrence bill.
The chamber urged stakeholders with concerns to engage through the legislative process while reaffirming its commitment to transparency and improved road safety.