Senator Ned Nwoko’s Bill To Ban Daytime Operations Of Heavy-Duty Vehicles Passes First Reading In Senate

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.

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, and 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, restricting their operations to the hours of 12 midnight to 6:00 am, except in emergencies.

Under the proposed amendment:
•Individual violators will face a fine of ₦500,000.
•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 or operating in situations deemed to be in the public interest.

The proposed legislation aims to curb the alarming rate of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles, reduce traffic congestion, and protect lives and property. According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), articulated vehicles, tankers, and trailers were responsible for 3,200 deaths between 2015 and 2018, with Nigeria losing 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.