The Senate has clarified the controversy surrounding the proposed ban on preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles, insisting that the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act does not introduce any new prohibition.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026, by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Leader of the Senate, the chamber said it was aware of public concerns over the purported ban.
The Senate explained that Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already prohibit preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles.
According to the statement, the provision was originally listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule to the 2007 Act and has been in existence for nearly two decades.
The Senate said the ongoing amendment merely relocates the same provision to Item 49 in the Second Schedule.
It stressed that the bill does not prohibit street preaching, as claimed in some quarters.
“It is about the safety of commuters and other road users and is not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space,” the statement said.
The Senate also clarified that the amendment was not initiated by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
It explained that the legislation is a concurrence bill that was first amended by the House of Representatives and now requires the Senate's concurrence before it can become law.
The chamber added that the amendment process was still ongoing and encouraged stakeholders with concerns to submit them to the appropriate institutions before the process is concluded.
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