Senate Clarifies FRSC Bill Amid Street Preaching Controversy

The Senate's consideration of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, led to public outcry over perceived attempts to criminalize street preaching in Nigeria. Following the National Assembly's approval of stiffer traffic sanctions, social media erupted with claims that lawmakers aimed to restrict constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

In response, the Senate issued a clarification, stating that the controversial provision imposing a ₦50,000 penalty for preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles was not new but existed since the FRSC (Establishment) Act of 2007 and was reinforced by Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2012. The Senate insisted that the law applies only to activities that could distract drivers or compromise passenger safety and does not limit religious activities in public spaces.

Additionally, the Senate clarified that the amendment bill did not originate from Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as previously reported, but was first considered by the House of Representatives.