The Nigerian Senate has dismissed reports linking the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, to the controversial proposal prescribing penalties for preaching inside commercial vehicles.
The clarification comes amid public debate over the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which retains a provision prescribing a ₦50,000 fine upon conviction for anyone found preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles. The proposal has attracted reactions from Christian groups, civil society organisations, and members of the public.
Speaking on the issue, Senator Adaramodu said neither he nor Senator Bamidele sponsored or introduced the provision. He explained that claims circulating on social media accusing the two lawmakers of initiating the proposal are false.
Adaramodu further noted that not every issue discussed on the floor of the Senate automatically becomes law. According to him, bills must pass through several legislative stages before they can be enacted, and the amendment process remains ongoing.
The Senate had earlier explained that the provision regarding preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles is not a new offence, but one that has existed under the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, and the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012. It stated that the current amendment merely renumbers the provision without introducing a fresh prohibition on public preaching.
The clarification follows sustained concerns from Christian leaders and other stakeholders, many of whom have called for greater engagement with lawmakers to ensure that road safety regulations do not create unnecessary fears or misconceptions about religious freedom.
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