The Nigerian Senate passes the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing higher penalties for a range of traffic-related offences. The bill introduces a proposed N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial vehicles, with lawmakers saying the measure aims to reduce distractions for commuters. The legislation is forwarded for presidential assent.
Alongside the N50,000 provision, sources report the bill recommends tougher sanctions for other offences. Motorists who refuse to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps officials during preliminary roadside breath tests, conducted on reasonable suspicion, would face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both. The amendment also increases penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs, with reported recommendations raising the fine from N5,000 to N100,000 and allowing up to two years in prison or both fine and imprisonment.
The bill also raises other penalties, including those for ignoring traffic lights, road signs and pavement markings (reported increase to N100,000) and for violating speed limits (reported increase to N100,000), while reckless driving would attract a N100,000 fine and up to two years’ imprisonment, or both. The revised schedule lists 52 traffic offences and their penalties.
