The Senate has rejected claims that proposed amendments to the Federal Road Safety Commission Act would prohibit preaching on Nigerian streets.
It explained that the legislation does not introduce any new offence against public religious activities.
According to the Senate, the provision attracting public criticism relates specifically to preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles and has existed in Nigerian law since 2007.
The clarification was issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
The Senate said Section 10 subsection 4 of the Federal Road Safety Commission Establishment Act of 2007 and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 already classify preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles as traffic offences.
The provision previously appeared as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the principal law.
Under the proposed amendment, it has only been renumbered as Item 49 without any material change.
The Senate said the restriction was introduced to prevent activities capable of distracting drivers or endangering passengers and other road users.
It maintained that the provision was not designed to restrict freedom of religion, worship or expression.
“The bill does not outlaw preaching on the streets. It concerns the safety of commuters and other road users and is not intended to undermine religious activities in public spaces,” the statement said.
The upper chamber also denied reports that the amendment was sponsored by Bamidele.
It explained that the legislation originated from the House of Representatives and was transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.
The Senate encouraged concerned individuals and organizations to submit memoranda and recommendations through the appropriate legislative channels before the process is concluded.
It assured Nigerians that legitimate concerns would be considered before the bill is passed and forwarded for presidential assent.
