The Senate has rejected claims that its ongoing amendment of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act is aimed at banning street preaching.
In a statement from the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Senate Leader, the Senate said the provision causing concern only covers preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles.
The Senate explained that the ban has been part of Nigerian law for nearly 20 years. Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already prohibit such activities in commercial vehicles to protect commuters and improve road safety.
According to the Senate, the amendment bill did not introduce the provision. It was retained from the existing law. It was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act but is now Item 49 after the legislation was restructured.
The Senate said the bill should not be seen as an attempt to limit freedom of worship or criminalise preaching in public spaces.
“The Bill does not outlaw street preaching as some interests have claimed. It is intended solely to enhance the safety of commuters and other road users and is not designed to undermine any religious activity in the public space,” the statement said.
The Senate also said Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, did not initiate the amendment. It originated in the House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate as a concurrence bill under the constitutional lawmaking process.
The Senate added that the process is still ongoing. It urged members of the public and other stakeholders with concerns to approach the National Assembly through the proper channels before the amendment is concluded.
