Senate Clarifies FRSC Bill, Says Ban on Preaching in Commercial Vehicles Already Exists

The Senate has moved to clarify growing public concerns over proposed amendments to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act, 2007, insisting that the legislation does not introduce a new ban on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles.

The upper chamber said the activities are already classified as offences under existing Nigerian laws, pointing specifically to Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.

The clarification followed public reactions to reports surrounding the proposed amendment, with concerns raised in some quarters that the legislation could amount to a fresh restriction on religious preaching or other activities in public spaces.

However, in a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Senate Leader, the Senate said the relevant provision had already been contained in the existing FRSC law and was not being introduced for the first time through the ongoing amendment process.

According to the chamber, the provision was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the FRSC Establishment Act but has been renumbered as Item 49 in the proposed amendment.

The Senate stressed that the provision has been part of Nigerian law since the FRSC Establishment Act was enacted in 2007.

The clarification is significant amid the growing debate over the proposed legislation, particularly concerns that references to preaching could be interpreted as an attempt to restrict religious expression.

The Senate, however, rejected such an interpretation, maintaining that the provision is primarily concerned with the safety of passengers and other road users.

“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 upper chamber also dismissed claims that the amendment bill seeks to prohibit street preaching or restrict religious activities generally in public spaces.

Rather, the Senate said the provision should be understood within the context of road safety and the regulation of activities taking place inside commercial vehicles.

Senate Distances Bamidele From Bill

The Senate also addressed reports concerning the sponsorship of the amendment bill, clarifying that the legislation was not sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

According to the upper chamber, the bill originated from the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate as a concurrence bill.

The Senate said the legislative process is being conducted in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The clarification effectively distances the Senate leadership from claims that Senator Bamidele personally sponsored the controversial provision.

The chamber further noted that the amendment has not completed the legislative process and that stakeholders who have concerns about its provisions still have the opportunity to present their views through the appropriate legislative channels.

The Senate urged individuals, groups and other stakeholders with objections or recommendations concerning the bill to engage with the legislative process rather than rely solely on public speculation.

Public Engagement Encouraged

The upper chamber reiterated its commitment to transparency and public engagement as the amendment process continues.

It stressed that the broader objective of the proposed changes is to strengthen road safety measures and enhance the protection of commuters and other road users across the country.

The Senate's clarification comes against the backdrop of renewed public sensitivity around legislation touching on religious expression and activities in public spaces.

By insisting that the relevant restriction predates the current amendment process, the Senate sought to draw a distinction between the existing legal provision and the proposed legislative changes now before it.

The chamber maintained that the amendment should not be interpreted as a new attempt to prohibit religious activities, but rather as part of efforts to review and update the legal framework governing road safety and the operations of the FRSC.

The bill remains subject to the ongoing legislative process, during which lawmakers may consider concerns raised by members of the public and other stakeholders before reaching a final decision.