•Nigerian Senate
The Senate yesterday dismissed claims that the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act seeks to ban street preaching, clarifying that the legislation only retains existing provisions prohibiting preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles in the interest of public safety.
The clarification followed widespread public concern over reports suggesting that the proposed amendment would criminalise religious preaching in public spaces across the country, reports Daily Independent.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Leader of the Senate, the upper chamber said the prohibition against preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles has been part of the FRSC (Establishment) Act since 2007 and is not a new provision introduced by the amendment.
According to the Senate, Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, as well as Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already classify preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles as traffic offences aimed at protecting commuters and other road users.
It explained that the provision, previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule to the Act, has merely been renumbered as Item 49 under the proposed amendment, insisting that no fresh restriction has been placed on religious activities outside commercial vehicles.
“The bill does not outlaw street preaching as being claimed in some quarters. It is strictly about ensuring 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 also clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, contrary to reports circulating on social media.
It explained that the legislation originated from the House of Representatives and is before the Senate as a concurrence bill, in line with constitutional procedures requiring approval by both chambers of the National Assembly before transmission for presidential assent.
The Senate noted that the legislative process is still ongoing and urged religious groups, transport operators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders with concerns over the bill to engage the appropriate legislative institutions before its final passage.
The upper chamber reiterated its commitment to an open legislative process, assuring Nigerians that public input remains an integral part of lawmaking.
