The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles as part of broader efforts to improve road safety across Nigeria.
The bill now awaits President Bola Tinubu's assent before it can become law.
The amendment seeks to strengthen the enforcement powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and introduce stiffer penalties for traffic offences considered capable of distracting drivers and endangering passengers.
Under the proposed law, "anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine."
Lawmakers said the provision was introduced "to discourage distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of commuters."
The legislation also prescribes a ₦50,000 fine, six months' imprisonment, or both, for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials conducting roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion.
In addition, the bill raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000.
Convicted offenders could also face up to two years' imprisonment, or both.
The proposed amendment further increases the fine for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to ₦100,000.
Speed limit violations and reckless driving would also attract ₦100,000 fines, with reckless driving carrying a possible two-year jail term.
According to the Senate, the revised schedule contains 52 traffic offences and their corresponding penalties.
Lawmakers said the review is aimed at "strengthening the FRSC's enforcement powers, improving compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads."
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