Senate Clarifies Preaching Ban in Commercial Vehicles

The Nigerian Senate has clarified that its recent amendments to the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, No. 22, 2007, do not include a ban on street preaching by individuals or religious organizations. Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, stated that the law has always prohibited preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles, a provision that has existed since 2007.

The amendments merely moved the relevant clause from Item 36 to Item 49 in the Second Schedule of the Act. Bamidele emphasized that the intent of the law is to ensure the safety of travelers and is not aimed at undermining religious activities in public spaces.

He noted that the bill, which requires Senate concurrence after being amended by the House of Representatives, is still open for public input. Additionally, the amended bill, passed on July 14, introduces fines of up to N100,000 for various traffic offenses, including disobedience to traffic lights and driving under the influence.