The Nigerian Senate has introduced a bill seeking to prohibit the movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers during daytime hours across the country.

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,” the proposed legislation passed its first reading yesterday.

Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), the bill aims to confine heavy-duty vehicle operations to between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am, except in emergencies. Violators would face fines of N500,000 (individuals), N5,000,000 (corporate offenders), and vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days.

• Vehicles transporting essential goods such as medical supplies

• Emergency public service operations

The bill is driven by concerns over frequent road accidents, traffic congestion, and public safety risks associated with heavy-duty vehicles. According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), tanker and trailer accidents resulted in 3,200 deaths (2015-2018) and losses exceeding ₦39 billion in 2018 alone.

 

Senator Nwoko highlighted the dangers posed by fuel tankers, cement trucks, and trailers carrying hazardous cargo, which compete for road space with passenger vehicles, especially during peak hours, leading to fatal accidents and economic disruptions.

 

The bill will now proceed to its second reading, where lawmakers will debate its provisions before moving to a public hearing.