Hawking, preaching in buses, failure to cooperate with FRSC officials attract ₦50,000 fine – Senate

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill amending the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act, significantly increasing penalties for traffic offences. The amendments introduce new fines for various infractions, including failure to obey traffic lights and road signs, driving under the influence of alcohol, and failing to cooperate with FRSC officials. A fine of ₦50,000 has been introduced for hawking or preaching in buses, among other changes.

The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step towards enhancing road safety by passing the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill introduces substantial increases to penalties for traffic offences, with the aim of reducing the number of accidents on Nigerian roads. This development is crucial as it reflects the government's commitment to improving road safety and deterring reckless driving.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act is a key legislation governing road safety in Nigeria. The act provides for the establishment, powers, and functions of the FRSC, as well as the penalties for various traffic offences. Prior to this amendment, the penalties for some infractions were considered lenient, leading to a lack of compliance with traffic laws. The Senate's decision to amend the act is a response to these concerns, aimed at making Nigerian roads safer.

The introduction of new fines and increased penalties for existing offences is a significant development in Nigeria's road safety landscape. The ₦50,000 fine for hawking or preaching in buses, among other changes, reflects the government's commitment to enforcing traffic laws. However, it remains to be seen how effectively these amendments will be implemented and enforced by the FRSC. Furthermore, there is a need for public awareness campaigns to educate motorists about the new penalties and their implications.

The passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, marks an important step towards enhancing road safety in Nigeria. Practitioners should be aware of the increased penalties for traffic offences and advise clients accordingly. The implementation of these amendments will be crucial in determining their effectiveness in reducing accidents on Nigerian roads.