No ban on street preaching, Senate clarifies FRSC Amendment

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Senate has clarified that the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act does not seek to ban street preaching, dismissing widespread claims that the proposed legislation outlaws religious activities in public places.

In a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Senate Leader, the upper chamber explained that the provision attracting public attention relates specifically to preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles, an offence that has existed under Nigerian law for nearly two decades.

According to the Senate, Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already prohibit preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles as part of measures aimed at protecting commuters and ensuring road safety.

It noted that the provision is not a fresh introduction in the amendment bill but has been retained from the existing law. While it previously appeared as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, it is now listed as Item 49 following the restructuring of the legislation.

The Senate stressed that the amendment bill should not be misconstrued as an attempt to restrict freedom of worship or criminalise religious 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 clarified that the proposed amendment was not initiated by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Rather, it said the legislation originated in the House of Representatives and is before the Senate as a concurrence bill, in line with the constitutional lawmaking process.

It added that the legislative process is still ongoing and encouraged members of the public and other stakeholders with concerns about the bill to engage the National Assembly through the appropriate channels before the amendment is concluded.