The Senate has stated that the proposed changes to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Establishment Act of 2007 do not establish fresh bans on street preaching or commercial hawking. Legislative officials confirmed that these activities were already prohibited under Section 10(4) of the 2007 Act and Regulation 220 of the 2012 National Road Traffic Regulations.
A statement from the Office of the Senate Leader explained that the relevant provision was merely renumbered from Item 36 to Item 49 during the amendment process. The Senate dismissed allegations that the bill restricts religious freedom, emphasizing that the measure is intended solely to enhance commuter safety. Furthermore, the Senate clarified that Senator Opeyemi Bamidele did not sponsor the legislation; rather, it originated in the House of Representatives and is currently undergoing a concurrence process.
The upper chamber encouraged interested parties to address any concerns through formal legislative procedures. They reiterated that the primary goal of the bill is to improve road safety standards across the country.
