The Senate has moved to clarify controversy surrounding the ongoing amendment of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, insisting that the bill does not outlaw street preaching or introduce a new prohibition on hawking.

The clarification followed public concerns over a provision relating to preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles contained in the proposed amendment.
The clarification was issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Leader of the Senate, on Monday.
The Senate said the practices were already offences under existing legislation, long before the current amendment process began.

According to the statement, Section 10(4) of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already prohibit preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles.

The statement explained that the provisions were originally listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the 2007 Act and have now been moved to Item 49 under the ongoing amendment.

It stressed that the bill should not be interpreted as a wider restriction on religious activities or preaching in public spaces.

“The Bill does not outlaw preaching on the streets as some interests have claimed in different fora,” the Senate said, adding that the provision was designed around the safety of commuters and other road users.

The Senate also sought to distance its Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, from claims that he initiated the controversial provision.

It explained that the legislation is a concurrence bill originating from the House of Representatives, meaning the Senate’s approval is required before it can become law.

“The Bill is not an initiative of Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, CON. Rather, it is a concurrence bill first amended by the House of Representatives,” the statement said.

The Senate further noted that the amendment process was still underway, urging stakeholders who have reservations about any provision to make their concerns known through the appropriate legislative channels.

It said such engagement remained part of the democratic process and could take place before the bill is finally passed.