Morganable Politics/Legislative Affairs
Critics had interpreted the clause as an attempt to criminalise religious expression and informal economic activities often relied upon by low-income Nigerians
kaNo —
The Nigerian Senate has defended the controversial provision in the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, clarifying that penalties for preaching, hawking, and trading inside commercial vehicles are not new but have existed in law for nearly two decades.
The clarification, issued by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, followed widespread backlash from religious groups, opposition parties, and civil society organisations who argued that the proposed penalties were harsh and insensitive amid worsening economic conditions.
At the centre of the controversy is a provision in the amendment bill prescribing a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial vehicles.
Critics had interpreted the clause as an attempt to criminalise religious expression and informal economic activities often relied upon by low-income Nigerians.
Senate Insists Provision Part Of Nigeria’s Laws
In a statement released on Monday, Bamidele said the public reaction was based on a misunderstanding of the law.
“The Senate has duly noticed public concerns on the purported proscription of preaching and hawking in a commercial vehicle under the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, No. 22, 2007,” he said.
“Preaching and hawking in a commercial vehicle are offences. The offences have been part of the Act before the current amendment,” he stated
“The Bill does not outlaw preaching on the streets as some interests have claimed. It is about the safety of commuters and not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space,” Bamidele said.
Amendment Aims At Strengthening Traffic Laws
The amendment bill, which recently passed the Senate, is part of a broader effort to strengthen the regulatory powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps and curb traffic violations across the country.
Beyond the contentious preaching and hawking provision, the bill introduces stricter penalties for a range of traffic-related offences.
Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials conducting roadside breath tests could face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
Similarly, the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is proposed to increase significantly from N5,000 to N100,000 with offenders liable to up to two years’ imprisonment.
Speed limit violations and reckless driving are also subject to stiffer sanctions, including possible custodial sentences.
Lawmakers say the revised schedule now contains 52 traffic offences, reflecting a comprehensive update aimed at improving compliance and reducing road accidents nationwide.
Despite the Senate’s clarification, opposition parties have maintained their criticism of the bill, arguing that the timing of such penalties is inappropriate given Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Opposition Challenges Lawmakers To Address Social Issues
In separate reactions, party officials described the proposed sanctions as punitive, especially for informal workers who depend on roadside trading and mobile hawking for survival.
They urged the National Assembly to focus on legislation that addresses unemployment, inflation, and declining purchasing power rather than imposing additional financial burdens on citizens.
Civil society groups have also expressed concern, warning that enforcement of the provision could lead to abuse by authorities and further marginalisation of vulnerable populations.
Bamidele further clarified that the bill did not originate from him, contrary to reports circulating online. He explained that the legislation was first amended by the House of Representatives and transmitted to the Senate for concurrence in line with constitutional requirements.
“The Bill is not an initiative of the Leader of the Senate. Rather, it is a concurrence bill first amended by the House of Representatives,” he said.
He added that the legislative process was still ongoing and encouraged stakeholders to channel their concerns through appropriate democratic channels before the bill is finalised.
“As required by the 1999 Constitution, the Bill requires the concurrence of the Senate before it can become effective. In the spirit of democracy, stakeholders can still make inputs,” he noted.
Fake Agency Probe: House Faces Pressure To Summon Gbajabiamila
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the House of Representatives is facing mounting pressure to expand its ongoing investigation into the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
The probe, being conducted by an ad-hoc committee, has already drawn testimonies from several top government officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
The committee has ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to produce an alleged promoter of the non-existent agency, Adeniyi Adeyemi, who has been in police custody for over two weeks.
Adeyemi is expected to appear before the lawmakers to respond to questions arising from earlier testimonies.
However, calls have intensified for the committee to invite the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, following allegations linking him to the attempted establishment of the council.
Lawmakers have yet to confirm whether Gbajabiamila will be summoned, but sources within the National Assembly say the pressure is growing as the probe deepens.
As debates around the FRSC amendment persist, observers say the outcome will likely test the balance between public safety, economic realities, and fundamental rights in Africa’s most populous nation.
