Senate: FRSC Bill Doesn’t Introduce New Ban on Bus Preaching
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Senate has clarified that the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act, 2007, does not introduce a fresh ban on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles, following public reactions to the proposed legislation.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Senate Leader, the upper chamber explained that the prohibition already exists under Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.
According to the Senate, the provision was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act and has only been renumbered as Item 49 in the amendment bill currently under consideration. It stressed that the law has been in force since the FRSC Act was enacted in 2007.
The Senate also rejected claims that the bill seeks to ban street preaching or restrict religious activities in public places, noting that the provision is strictly intended to enhance the safety of commuters 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 chamber further clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as widely reported. It explained that the bill originated from the House of Representatives and is before the Senate for concurrence in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The Senate urged Nigerians and other stakeholders with concerns about the legislation to engage through the appropriate legislative channels while the bill is still undergoing consideration.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public participation, maintaining that the proposed amendment is aimed at strengthening road safety regulations and improving the protection of commuters across the country.
