By Haruna Salami
The Senate has clarified misconceptions surrounding the proposed 2026 amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) (Establishment) Act, stating that the Bill does not introduce a new ban on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Senate said it had taken note of public concerns over reports suggesting that the amendment seeks to prohibit preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles.
According to the Senate, preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles have long been recognised as traffic offences under the existing Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, No. 22 of 2007.
It explained that the provisions are backed by Section 10(4) of the Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.
The statement noted that the offence was originally listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act and has only been renumbered as Item 49 in the amended version, stressing that no new provision has been introduced on the matter.
The Senate further explained that the amendment Bill does not seek to outlaw street preaching or restrict religious activities in public places. Rather, it is aimed at enhancing the safety of commuters and other road users while travelling in commercial vehicles.
It also clarified that the Bill was not initiated by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Instead, it is a concurrence Bill that was first amended and passed by the House of Representatives and requires Senate concurrence, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, before it can become law.
The Senate added that the legislative process is still ongoing and encouraged stakeholders with concerns to engage the appropriate institutions before the amendment process is concluded.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Leader of the Senate, on July 27, 2026.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
