The Senate has passed a sweeping amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act that could see anyone caught preaching, hawking or trading inside commercial buses fined ₦50,000 upon conviction.

The amendment bill, which has been forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent, introduces tougher penalties for traffic offenders as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents across Nigeria.

Under the proposed law, passengers and traders who turn commercial vehicles into marketplaces or places of worship risk a ₦50,000 fine if found guilty. Lawmakers said the move is aimed at reducing distractions that could endanger the lives of commuters and drivers.

The bill also comes down hard on drunk driving. Motorists convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances will now face a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years in prison, or both—up from the previous ₦5,000 penalty.

Drivers who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion could also be fined ₦50,000, sentenced to six months in prison, or face both punishments.

In addition, the Senate increased the penalty for running red lights, violating road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to ₦100,000.

Speeding and reckless driving have also attracted stiffer sanctions. Anyone convicted of exceeding the speed limit will pay ₦100,000, while reckless driving could earn offenders the same fine, up to two years' imprisonment, or both.

The amended legislation includes a revised schedule of 52 traffic offences and their corresponding penalties, giving the FRSC stronger legal backing to enforce traffic laws.

Lawmakers said the tougher sanctions are designed to improve discipline on Nigerian roads, enhance compliance with traffic regulations and ultimately save lives by reducing avoidable crashes.