Senate Clarifies FRSC Act Amendment on Hawking, Preaching

The Senate has clarified that the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act, 2007, does not introduce new prohibitions against preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles. These activities have long been classified as offences under existing laws, including Section 10(4) of the FRSC Establishment Act and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012.

The Senate explained that the provision in question was previously listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act and has only been renumbered as Item 49 during the amendment process. The law has been in force since the FRSC Act was enacted in 2007.

The Senate rejected claims that the legislation seeks to ban street preaching or limit freedom of worship, stating that the provision is focused on the safety of commuters and other road users. Additionally, the Senate clarified that the amendment bill was not sponsored by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele but originated in the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate for concurrence.

The legislative process is ongoing, and stakeholders are encouraged to engage through appropriate channels.