Senate Denies Claims Of Street Preaching Ban, Says FRSC Amendment Only Retains Existing Safety Law

The Nigerian Senate has dismissed reports suggesting that the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act is designed to ban street preaching, insisting that the bill merely preserves existing safety regulations for commercial vehicles.

In a statement released on Monday, the Senate explained that concerns circulating among the public stem from a misunderstanding of provisions that have been part of the law since 2007.

According to the Senate, preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles are already prohibited under Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, as well as Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.

The statement clarified that the relevant provision, previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, has only been renumbered as Item 49 in the proposed amendment without altering its meaning or effect.

"The offences have been part of the Act before the current amendment," the Senate stated.

The upper legislative chamber emphasized that the amendment does not seek to outlaw religious preaching in public places or on the streets.

According to the Senate, the bill is solely intended to enhance the safety of commuters and other road users, not to restrict religious freedom or public worship.

The Senate also clarified that the proposed legislation was not initiated by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Instead, it originated as an amendment passed by the House of Representatives and now requires Senate concurrence in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution before it can become law.

Furthermore, lawmakers noted that the legislative process is still ongoing and encouraged Nigerians, religious groups, and other stakeholders to submit their concerns through the appropriate democratic and legislative channels before the bill is finalized.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public participation, urging citizens not to be misled by claims that the amendment seeks to prohibit street preaching.