Nigeria Senate Clarifies Preaching Ban in Commercial Vehicles

The Senate of Nigeria clarified that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, does not create a new ban on preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles. Addressing public criticism and concerns over a proposed ₦50,000 penalty, the chamber stated these activities have been illegal since the FRSC Establishment Act was enacted in 2007 and are further covered by the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012.

The Senate explained that the current amendment merely renumbers the existing provision from Item 36 to Item 49 in the Act's Second Schedule. Officials emphasized that the measure focuses on the safety of commuters and other road users rather than restricting religious freedom or street preaching in public spaces.

The chamber further clarified that the bill originated in the House of Representatives and is currently a concurrence bill. It specifically denied that Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele sponsored the initiative. The Senate has invited stakeholders to submit their concerns before the legislative process concludes.