Senate denies fresh ban on preaching, hawking in commercial vehicles

The Senate has dismissed reports claiming it is proposing a new law to ban preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles, insisting that both activities have been offences under the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act since 2007.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the upper chamber clarified that the ongoing amendment to the FRSC Establishment Act does not introduce any fresh restriction on religious preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles.

According to the Senate, the provision was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act but has only been renumbered as Item 49 during the amendment process.

“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 refuted claims that Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, sponsored the amendment bill, explaining that the proposed legislation originated from the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate as a concurrence bill in line with the 1999 Constitution.

It further noted that the legislative process is still ongoing and encouraged Nigerians with concerns about the bill to present their views through the appropriate legislative channels before it is passed.

The upper chamber reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public participation, stressing that the proposed amendment is aimed at improving road safety and protecting commuters across the country.