If you’ve used a commercial bus in Nigeria, you’ve probably had this experience:
While you’re mentally calculating how much your transport fare has increased since last week, the conductor is trying to squeeze one more passenger into a seat designed for three.
Then, from the back of the bus, a voice cuts through the chaos.
“Good morning, brothers and sisters…”
For the next 10 to 20 minutes, the bus becomes a church. On the other end, someone in front of you is marketing a product loudly. You probably just want to have a quiet journey, but Nigerians say “NO”.
Guess what? This familiar experience could soon disappear.
The Senate has passed the amended Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act, and buried in the new traffic offences list is a line that’s about to change public transport as we know it: anyone caught preaching, hawking or trading inside a commercial vehicle now faces a ₦50,000 fine on conviction. Yes, the pure water sellers are in this too. Yes, so is the man selling “original” phone chargers that stop working by Wednesday.
The bill still needs President Tinubu’s signature before its actual law, but the Senate has done its part. Lawmakers say the goal is to cut down on distractions for drivers and make the whole bus experience safer for everyone squeezed inside.
What Happens When This Eventually Becomes A Law?
Hawking, trading and preaching inside a moving commercial vehicle will be an offence, full stop. Get convicted, and you’re paying ₦50,000 fine.
However, this isn’t a standalone rule, it’s part of a much bigger shake-up. The Senate reviewed 52 traffic offences in total, and preaching got swept up with the rest.
Some of the other changes riding along with it:
- Speeding now costs ₦100,000.
- Ignoring traffic lights, road signs or other traffic control devices also attracts a ₦100,000 fine.
- Reckless/drunk driving can now get you ₦100,000, up to two years in prison, or both.
- Refusing to cooperate with FRSC officials during a roadside breath test will cost you ₦50,000, six months in prison, or both.
What are your thoughts?
