National News
Hawking, preaching in buses to attract ₦50,000 fine — Senate
The Senate has passed the redrafted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stiffer penalties for a range of road traffic offences, including a proposed ₦50,000 fine for hawking or preaching inside commercial buses.
The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent before it becomes law, also proposes a ₦50,000 fine, a six-month jail term, or both for drivers who refuse to undergo a roadside breathalyser test when requested by FRSC officers on reasonable suspicion.
Under the amended legislation, penalties for several traffic offences have been increased significantly, with some fines rising by as much as 300 per cent. Lawmakers said the tougher sanctions are aimed at promoting compliance with traffic regulations, reducing reckless driving and improving road safety across the country.
The bill, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was introduced for first reading in the Senate on July 1, 2026.
If signed into law by the President, anyone convicted of hawking goods or preaching inside commercial vehicles will face a ₦50,000 fine. Senators argued that the measure is intended to eliminate distractions in public transport and enhance passenger safety.
The proposed legislation also increases the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substances from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Offenders could also face up to two years’ imprisonment, or both a fine and imprisonment.
According to the bill, it is an offence to drive or attempt to drive a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs beyond the legal limit or to a level that affects the safe operation of the vehicle.
Follow Us on Google Discover
2027: NDC accuses INEC of replacing candidates with ‘unknown names’
Sultex, Goddessa exits BBNaija House
Bruno Fernandes scores hat-trick as Man United thrash Ipswich 5-2
Tinubu drags South Africa to African Union over xenophobia
TETFund opens N10bn 2026 grant for researchers (How to apply)
Alonso’s Chelsea secure 4-3 win over Brighton in Stamford Bridge
US google maps displays Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’
2027: APC National Secretary Basiru visits Adeleke in Osun
2027: Southeast Group seeks Igbo Elders’ intervention to persuade Peter Obi to back Tinubu
Troops eliminate suspected terrorist, recover two AK-47 rifles in Plateau
Barcelona seal agreement for Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus
NABTEB fixes September 10 as deadline for 2026 Nov/Dec exam registration
NDLEA seizes N6.2bn drugs concealed in Ghana soap at Lagos airport
JUST IN: Tinubu embarks on three-week annual leave in Europe
Early morning fire razes shops, goods worth millions at Abuja market
FBI complies with deadline, hands Tinubu’s alleged drug trafficking case files to US Judge for ‘for her eyes only’
INEC publishes 2027 Governorship candidates, reveals major contenders across states
Tinubu’s US Records: ADC, NDC challenge Tinubu’s bid to block release, say Nigerians deserve to know the truth
Rivers Police detain officers over fatal shooting of commercial driver
‘The child is not mine’ – Juma Jux denies fathering Tanzanian woman’s child
Niger capital hit by heavy gunfire as troops storm presidential palace
Kidneys for Cash: The disturbing story behind Abuja’s organ-harvesting network
VP Shettima turns 60, rejects birthday celebrations, seeks prayers for Nigeria
Police bust human trafficking syndicate, rescue two Colombian women
Popular Peter Obi campaigner Flagboyng dumps NDC, Obidient movement, sets flag ablaze amid rift with ‘Mama P’
‘Nigerian borders are not closed’ – Tunji-Ojo criticises Atiku’s border reopening claims
Why ICPC declared SGF’s made-in-Nigeria office ‘fake’
‘My friend deceived me into kidney removal, used payment to buy gadgets – Victim
‘It is misleading’ – Hisbah denies restricting Christian worship in Sokoto
