Senate passes bill proposing ₦50,000 fine for preaching, hawking in commercial buses

Kingsley Ohens reporting

The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial buses and other commercial vehicles as part of efforts to improve road safety across the country.

The bill, passed during Thursday’s plenary, seeks to reduce distractions that could endanger drivers and passengers. Lawmakers said the provision is aimed at promoting safer public transportation by discouraging activities capable of diverting the attention of motorists while vehicles are in motion.

Beyond the proposed restriction on preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles, the amendment also introduces stiffer penalties for several traffic offences. The bill raises the fine for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, with offenders also facing up to two years’ imprisonment or both.

Motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps officials during roadside breath tests may also face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both. In addition, violations such as speeding, reckless driving and disobeying traffic lights or road signs would attract fines of up to ₦100,000 under the proposed law.

According to the Senate, the amendment is designed to strengthen the enforcement powers of the FRSC, improve compliance with traffic regulations and reduce road crashes nationwide. The revised schedule contains 52 traffic offences with corresponding penalties.

The bill is, however, not yet law. It will only take effect after completing the remaining legislative process and receiving Presidential assent.