Existing law already prohibits hawking, preaching in commercial vehicles – Senate
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, following public concerns over the legislation.
The upper chamber said preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles are already offences under existing laws, citing 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 amendment bill currently before the National Assembly.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the chamber said the provision has formed part of Nigerian law since the FRSC Establishment Act was enacted in 2007.
The Senate dismissed claims that the amendment seeks to outlaw street preaching or restrict religious activities in public spaces, describing such reports as misleading.
“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 chamber also refuted reports that the amendment bill was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
It explained that the legislation originated in the House of Representatives and is before the Senate as a concurrence bill, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The Senate noted that the legislative process is still ongoing and encouraged individuals and groups with concerns about the bill to present their views through the appropriate legislative channels before the bill is passed.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and public participation, the upper chamber said the proposed amendment is intended to strengthen road safety regulations and enhance the protection of commuters and other road users across the country.