The Nigerian Senate has initiated steps to prohibit the movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers during daytime hours across the country.
This move comes as part of efforts to reduce road accidents and decongest highways.
A 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 introduced for its first reading in the Senate.
The proposed law, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), aims to restrict the movement of heavy-duty vehicles to between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am, except in emergencies.
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Penalties and Exemptions
Under the proposed legislation, individuals violating the restriction would face fines of ₦500,000, while corporate offenders could be penalized up to ₦5,000,000.
Additionally, non-compliant vehicles could be impounded for up to 30 days. However, exemptions will be granted to vehicles transporting essential goods such as medical supplies or those engaged in emergency public service operations.
Rationale Behind the Bill
The bill is a response to growing concerns over the high rate of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.
According to statistics from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), tanker and trailer accidents caused 3,200 deaths between 2015 and 2018, with economic losses exceeding ₦39 billion in 2018 alone due to related incidents.
Senator Nwoko further highlighted a 6.01% rise in road crashes in the fourth quarter of 2022, with an additional 6.16% increase compared to the same period in 2021.
Recent incidents, such as the April 26 tanker explosion in Rivers State that killed four people and destroyed over 100 vehicles, as well as an April 28 cement truck crash in Kogi State that claimed 19 lives, have intensified calls for urgent legislative action.
Comparison with State-Level Bans
Some states, including Lagos and Abia, have already enforced daytime restrictions on the movement of trailers and trucks on state roads.
These measures aim to prevent accidents and reduce traffic congestion. The bill now seeks to extend this restriction nationwide.
The bill will proceed to its second reading, where lawmakers will debate its general principles before it moves to the public hearing stage.
If passed into law, it would significantly impact the transportation and logistics industry, requiring adjustments in truck operations nationwide.
Senator Nwoko has urged the Federal Ministry of Transportation to collaborate with the FRSC in enforcing the restrictions and updating vehicle safety regulations to minimize road hazards.
