Senate Clarifies FRSC Amendment Bill, Says No Ban On Street Preaching Or New Hawking Prohibition

Senate Clarifies FRSC Amendment Bill, Says No Ban on Street Preaching or New Hawking Prohibition The Senate has moved to address public concerns over the ongoing amendment of the Federal Road Safety Commission Establishment Act, insisting that the proposed legislation does not outlaw street preaching or introduce a fresh ban on hawking. The clarification followed controversy over provisions in the amendment bill relating to preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles. The Senate said the provisions being discussed are not new, but were already contained in existing laws, including the Federal Road Safety Commission Establishment Act, 2007, and the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012. According to the Senate, the provision has been part of the legal framework since 2007 and was only moved to a different item number in the schedule of the amended legislation. Lawmakers said the measure was focused on commuter safety and regulating activities inside commercial vehicles, not restricting religious expression or preaching in public spaces.The Senate also clarified that the amendment was not initiated by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, explaining that it is a concurrence bill that originated from the House of Representatives and requires Senate approval before becoming law. The upper chamber urged individuals and groups with concerns about the bill to engage with the legislative process, noting that the amendment is still under consideration and remains open to further input before final passage.