BREAKING: Nigerians May Face ₦50,000 Fine for Hawking and Preaching in Buses

‘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.