Senate Clarifies Preaching and Hawking Restrictions in Commercial Vehicles Predate Proposed Amendment

The Senate has stated that the prohibition of preaching, trading, and hawking inside commercial vehicles is an existing statutory provision established in 2007, rather than a new restriction introduced under the pending Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Amendment Bill 2026.

The clarification follows public debate surrounding proposed N50,000 penalties for violations inside transit vehicles. In an official statement issued through the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Senate Leader, legislative authorities noted that the restriction is grounded in Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act of 2007 and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012.

Officials clarified that the ongoing legislative process primarily involves renumbering the existing provision—moving it from Item 36 to Item 49 in the Second Schedule of the Act—and adjusting penalty structures to enhance commuter safety. The Senate emphasized that the law applies exclusively to commercial transit vehicles and does not ban public street preaching or religious activities in open public spaces.

The Senate further noted that the bill originated as a concurrence measure passed by the House of Representatives rather than a fresh initiative by Senate leadership. The legislative body added that the amendment process remains ongoing and open to public input, alongside proposed statutory fine increases for severe traffic infractions, including driving under the influence and reckless driving.