- Senate says the ban has existed since 2007
- It clarifies that street preaching remains allowed
- Amendment aims to improve road safety
The Senate has explained that the restriction on preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles was not introduced through the ongoing amendment of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Establishment Act, stating that the offences have been part of existing Nigerian laws since 2007.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the clarification came after public reactions followed reports that the Senate had approved amendments to the FRSC Act, including a proposed N50,000 penalty for individuals convicted of trading, hawking or preaching in commercial vehicles.
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In a statement released on Monday by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate said the provisions were already contained in the current FRSC Act and the National Road Traffic Regulations.
The Senate explained that Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, alongside Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, provides legal backing for the offences.
It noted that the provision was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the existing law but has been moved to Item 49 in the amended version currently being considered.
The Senate stressed that the law does not prohibit preaching in public spaces or on streets, adding that the restriction is aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers and other road users.
“The provision is about the safety of commuters and other road users and not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space,” the statement said.
The lawmakers also clarified that Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele was not responsible for introducing the bill, explaining that it is a concurrence bill that was first amended by the House of Representatives and requires Senate approval before becoming law.
The Senate said the amendment process is still ongoing and urged individuals and groups with concerns to present their views through the appropriate legislative channels.
Apart from the provision on preaching and hawking, the proposed amendment seeks tougher penalties for other road offences, including increasing fines for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances from N5,000 to N100,000, as well as higher penalties for reckless driving and speed violations.
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