NEWS
Senate Clarifies FRSC Amendment, Says No New Ban on Preaching or Hawking in Commercial Vehicles
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 widespread public concerns and misconceptions surrounding the legislation.
According to the upper chamber, preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles are already recognised as offences under existing Nigerian laws. It explained that the provisions are contained in Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.
The Senate stated that the ongoing amendment does not create any fresh restriction but merely renumbers an already existing provision. It noted that what was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the FRSC Establishment Act has simply been redesignated as Item 49 in the amendment currently under consideration.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026, by the Office of the Senate Leader, the upper chamber emphasized that the provision has remained part of Nigeria’s legal framework since the FRSC Establishment Act was enacted in 2007.
Responding to reports suggesting that the amendment seeks to prohibit street preaching or curtail religious activities in public places, the Senate dismissed the claims 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 Senate further clarified that contrary to reports circulating in some quarters, the amendment bill was not sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
According to the chamber, the proposed legislation originated from the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate as a concurrence bill, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
It also stressed that the legislative process is still ongoing and encouraged religious groups, civil society organisations, transport operators, and other stakeholders with concerns about the bill to present their views through the appropriate legislative channels before the amendment is passed.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, openness, and public participation, the Senate maintained that the proposed amendment is primarily intended to strengthen road safety measures, improve compliance with traffic regulations, and enhance the protection of commuters and other road users across the country.