Some motorists in Abuja have backed proposed reforms to strengthen road safety regulations but have appealed to authorities to reconsider the planned increase in traffic fines from N5,000 to N100,000.
The drivers expressed concern that the 2,000 per cent rise in penalties could place a heavy burden on ordinary road users, especially commercial drivers who depend on daily earnings.
They made their positions known during separate interviews with journalists on Sunday while reacting to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill recently passed by the Senate.
Although they supported tougher measures to promote discipline and reduce road accidents, the motorists insisted that penalties should be reasonable and fairly enforced.
The bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, proposes major adjustments to existing traffic offences. Under the proposed law, penalties for violations such as speeding, dangerous driving, ignoring traffic lights, and failure to obey road signs would increase from N5,000 to N100,000, with offenders facing either a two-year jail term or both sanctions.
The proposed legislation also recommends the same N100,000 fine or imprisonment for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as using mobile phones while driving.
It further introduces a N50,000 penalty or six months’ imprisonment for motorists who refuse roadside breath tests when there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication.
Corporate bodies found guilty of traffic-related offences could also face fines of up to N5 million, while violations involving driver’s licences and vehicle documents would attract increased penalties of up to N50,000.
The bill also includes a N50,000 fine for activities such as hawking and preaching in commercial buses, a provision that has attracted criticism from some Christian organisations over concerns about religious freedom.
A Bolt driver, Anthony Mangwe, said the tougher measures could encourage motorists to become more responsible, especially by discouraging dangerous habits such as using phones while driving.
“If the bill becomes law, it will benefit many people because road users will become more careful. However, most laws affect poor people the most, and that is a concern,” he said.
Mangwe also criticised the actions of some traffic officials, arguing that when authorities fail to obey the rules themselves, it becomes difficult to encourage compliance among ordinary citizens.
He added that traffic offences could seriously affect the livelihood of commercial drivers, noting that losing a day’s income due to a fine or penalty could create financial difficulties.
He urged the government to reconsider the proposed N100,000 fine, describing it as too expensive for many Nigerians.
Similarly, the chairman of Jabi Town Service, Ismaila Ibrahim, praised the government’s efforts to improve road safety but disagreed with the size of the proposed penalties.
Taxi driver Rasheed Adebayo said the success of the amendment would depend largely on fair and consistent enforcement.
According to him, traffic regulations must apply equally to all road users, regardless of their social status.
Another Jabi Town Service leader, Abdul Mumini, said increasing penalties could help address reckless driving and improve safety on Nigerian roads.
“This is a federal government decision. It is necessary because of the level of indiscipline on our roads. If someone jumps a traffic light, they usually do not care, but stricter laws can make people more cautious,” he said.
However, Mumini argued that increasing the fine directly from N5,000 to N100,000 was too sudden and suggested a gradual adjustment.
He noted that while stronger penalties were important, the government should also consider the economic realities facing Nigerians before implementing the new measures.
The motorists agreed that the effectiveness of the FRSC amendment would depend on proper implementation, transparency, and ensuring that the law applies equally to government officials, private motorists, and commercial drivers.
(NAN)
Motorists Support FRSC Law Review, Call for Reduction of Proposed N100,000 Traffic Penalties
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