By Anayo Akwitti
The Senate has dismissed claims that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act seeks to ban street preaching, clarifying that the legislation only retains an existing provision prohibiting preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles in the interest of road safety.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said the restriction is not a new provision but has existed since the enactment of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007. He explained that the regulation is backed by Section 10(4) of the Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.
According to Bamidele, the offence was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act and now appears as Item 49 following the ongoing amendment process. He stressed that the provision is aimed solely at protecting commuters and other road users, and should not be interpreted as an attempt to restrict religious activities in public spaces.
The Senate Leader also refuted reports linking the amendment to his office, explaining that the legislation originated as a concurrence bill after it was first amended and passed by the House of Representatives in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
He noted that the amendment process is still ongoing and encouraged stakeholders with concerns to engage the appropriate legislative channels before the bill is finalised.
