'Nigerians to pay ₦50,000 fine for hawking, preaching in buses' – Senate

The redrafted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been passed by the Senate, introducing heavy penalties for various road and transit-related infractions. Among the newly established rules is a ₦50,000 penalty targeting individuals who trade, hawk, or preach to passengers inside commercial buses.

This legislative update, which currently awaits the president’s signature to become law, also introduces a ₦50,000 fine, a six-month jail term, or both, for drivers who refuse to undergo roadside breathalyzer tests when requested by road safety officers on reasonable suspicion.

According to the details of the modified bill, fines for numerous traffic violations have been raised by up to 300 percent. This upward review is part of a broader legislative push to discourage reckless driving, ensure stricter adherence to traffic laws, and minimize road accidents.

The piece of legislation, formally known as the Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was presented for its first reading in the Senate on July 1, 2026.

With the introduction of these new clauses, anyone caught hawking goods or preaching inside public transport vehicles will be prosecuted and faces a ₦50,000 fine upon conviction. Members of the upper legislative chamber noted that this measure is designed to eliminate dangerous distractions inside commercial buses and safeguard passengers.

During the debate on the proposed amendments, lawmakers maintained that harsher penalties have become vital to curbing persistent lawlessness and dangerous habits on public roads.

Furthermore, the bill raises the penalty for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or narcotics from the previous ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Violators also risk a prison sentence of up to two years, or both. The law specifies that it is a punishable offense to drive or attempt to drive a vehicle when impaired by alcohol or drugs beyond the permissible threshold, or to a degree that compromises safe vehicle control.

In a similar vein, motorists who reject preliminary sobriety checks administered by road safety agents will be penalized with a ₦50,000 fine, six months behind bars, or both.

The updated framework also sets a ₦100,000 fine for drivers who ignore traffic signals, road signs, lane markings, or any other designated traffic control systems.

Exceeding speed limits, which previously carried a minor ₦5,000 penalty, will now attract a ₦100,000 fine. Dangerous and reckless driving will similarly be penalized with a ₦100,000 fine, a maximum of two years in prison, or both.

In total, the revised legislation outlines 52 distinct traffic offenses alongside their updated financial and custodial punishments.

The Senate emphasized that this comprehensive overhaul aims to bolster the operational capacity of the FRSC, drive better compliance with road regulations, and elevate safety standards across the country’s highway network.

These strict regulations are anticipated to bring noticeable changes for commercial drivers, passengers, and informal traders, particularly in congested urban centers where transit preaching and onboard sales are highly common.