No More Bus Preaching? Senate Approves ₦50,000 Fine for Preaching, Hawking in Buses

• The Senate has approved a bill proposing a ₦50,000 fine for preaching, hawking and trading inside commercial buses, alongside tougher penalties of up to ₦100,000 for drunk driving, speeding, running red lights and other traffic offences.

The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing tougher penalties for several traffic offences, including a proposed ₦50,000 fine for anyone caught preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial buses.

The bill, which has now been passed by the National Assembly, is yet to become law. It still requires President Bola Tinubu’s assent before it can take effect.

Under the proposed amendment, anyone found preaching, hawking or engaging in trading inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a ₦50,000 fine.

Lawmakers said the measure is aimed at reducing distractions inside commercial vehicles and improving the safety of drivers and passengers.

The amendment also significantly increases penalties for other traffic violations.

Motorists caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will face a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years imprisonment, or both, replacing the previous ₦5,000 penalty.

Drivers who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests could also face a ₦50,000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both.

The bill further raises the penalty for running red lights, violating speed limits, ignoring road signs, road markings and other traffic control devices from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000.

Reckless driving will also attract a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years imprisonment, or both, depending on the circumstances.

According to the Senate, the amendment is designed to strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic regulations and reduce road crashes nationwide.

If signed into law by President Tinubu, the revised legislation will introduce 52 traffic offences and updated penalties, affecting millions of motorists, commercial transport operators and commuters across Nigeria.