The Senate has debunked claims that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission Establishment Act seeks to introduce a fresh ban on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles.
According to the upper chamber, preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles have been offences under Nigerian law since the FRSC Establishment Act was enacted in 2007.
The Senate explained that the provision, previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, was only renumbered as Item 49 in the ongoing amendment process.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the chamber stressed that the amendment does not seek to prohibit street preaching or restrict religious activities in public places.
“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 read.
The Senate also dismissed reports alleging that Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, sponsored the amendment bill.
It clarified that the bill originated from the House of Representatives and is before the Senate as a concurrence bill in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The upper chamber noted that the legislative process is still ongoing and urged Nigerians with concerns to make their views known through the appropriate legislative channels before the bill is passed.
The Senate reiterated its commitment to transparency and public participation, adding that the proposed amendment is aimed at strengthening road safety measures and protecting commuters across the country.
