Proposed FRSC Act amendment did not introduce new ban on hawking, preaching

The Senate has clarified that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act, 2007, does not create a new prohibition against preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles.

According to the upper chamber, both activities have long been classified as offences under existing laws, including Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Senate Leader, the Senate explained that the provision in question was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act and has only been renumbered as Item 49 during the ongoing amendment process.

The chamber noted that the law has been in force since the FRSC Act was enacted in 2007, dismissing public concerns that the amendment seeks to introduce fresh restrictions on religious activities.

The Senate also rejected claims that the legislation is intended to ban street preaching or limit freedom of worship in public spaces.

“The provision is strictly about the safety of commuters and other road users and is not designed to undermine any religious activity in public spaces,” the statement said.

The upper chamber further clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters.

According to the Senate, the bill originated in the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate for concurrence in line with constitutional procedures.

The chamber added that the legislative process remains ongoing and encouraged stakeholders with concerns about the bill to engage through the appropriate legislative channels before its final passage.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and public participation, the Senate maintained that the proposed amendment is primarily aimed at enhancing road safety and protecting commuters nationwide.