Senate Confirms Preaching, Hawking Ban Exists Since 2007

The Senate of Nigeria has clarified that the prohibition of preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles is not a new provision but has been part of Nigerian law since 2007. This statement followed public criticism after reports indicated that the Senate passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a N50,000 fine for violations.

The Senate, through a statement from the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, emphasized that these offences are rooted in Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012. The Senate noted that the provision was previously listed as Item 36 and is now renumbered as Item 49 in the amended bill.

It clarified that the legislation does not prohibit public or street preaching and is aimed at ensuring the safety of commuters. Additionally, the Senate distanced Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele from the bill, stating he neither initiated nor sponsored it, and encouraged stakeholders to engage in the ongoing amendment process.