The Nigerian Senate has commenced legislative action on a bill seeking to ban the movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers during daytime hours nationwide. This move aims to reduce accidents, traffic congestion, and protect lives and property.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, to Restrict the Daytime Movement of Heavy-Duty Vehicles and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko of Delta North senatorial district. The bill successfully scaled its first reading on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
If passed into law, the bill will introduce a nationwide ban on the movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers between 6:00 am and 12:00 midnight. This restriction aims to minimize the risks associated with heavy-duty vehicles sharing the roads with smaller vehicles during peak hours.
Under the proposed amendment, the movement of heavy-duty vehicles will be restricted to the hours of 12 midnight to 6:00 am, except in emergencies. This move is expected to reduce the number of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles and minimize traffic congestion.
Individual violators will face a fine of ₦500,000, while corporate offenders will be fined ₦5,000,000. Vehicles found in violation will be seized and impounded for up to 30 days. However, provisions have been made for emergency exemptions, particularly for vehicles transporting essential goods such as medical supplies.
The proposed legislation aims to curb the alarming rate of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles. According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), articulated vehicles, tankers, and trailers were responsible for 3,200 deaths between 2015 and 2018. Nigeria also lost over ₦39 billion to tanker and trailer-related accidents in 2018 alone.
Nigeria’s roads are frequently congested with fuel-laden tankers, heavily loaded cement trucks, and trailers carrying hazardous cargo, competing for space with passenger vehicles during rush hours and early evenings. The consequences of these chaotic road conditions have been devastating, resulting in fatal collisions, widespread destruction, and severe economic losses.
As the Senate prepares for further deliberations, all eyes will be on how this bill progresses and the level of support it garners from lawmakers and key stakeholders. The success of this bill could have a significant impact on road safety and traffic management in Nigeria.
