The Nigerian Senate has cleared Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, of allegations linking them to the controversial proposal seeking a ₦50,000 fine for preaching, hawking and trading inside commercial vehicles.
The Senate said claims that the two lawmakers sponsored the provision were false and misleading, explaining that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, originated in the House of Representatives before it was transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.
Senator Adaramodu disclosed that neither he nor Senator Bamidele introduced the contentious provision, explaining that the Senate merely considered the bill in line with the legislative process.
He further explained that the restriction on preaching, hawking and trading in commercial vehicles is not a new provision, noting that it has existed under the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act since 2007 and was only retained in the amendment bill.
According to the Senate, the provision is aimed at promoting road safety by discouraging activities capable of distracting drivers and endangering passengers, rather than banning public or street preaching.
The clarification comes amid widespread public debate and criticism over the proposed ₦50,000 fine, with many Nigerians expressing concerns over its implications for religious freedom and other activities in commercial vehicles.
The amendment bill is still undergoing the legislative process and has not yet become law.
Tags: Senate, FRSC, Opeyemi Bamidele, Yemi Adaramodu, Bus Preaching
