In a bold move to enhance road safety and reduce congestion, a new bill has been proposed in the Nigerian Senate seeking to ban heavy-duty vehicles from operating during daytime hours. The proposed legislation, if passed, will impose stringent penalties on violators, with individual offenders facing fines of ₦500,000, while corporate defaulters could be slammed with penalties as high as ₦5 million. Additionally, any vehicle caught violating the restriction may be impounded for up to 30 days.
The proposed bill has sparked intense debate among stakeholders, with some applauding the initiative as a necessary step to curb traffic-related accidents and ease movement in urban centers. However, others argue that such a ban could disrupt supply chains and negatively impact businesses reliant on daytime logistics.
With traffic congestion and road accidents remaining persistent challenges in major Nigerian cities, particularly Lagos and Abuja, the bill could significantly alter the country’s transportation landscape. Supporters believe that restricting heavy-duty vehicles to nighttime operations would not only improve traffic flow but also enhance pedestrian and motorist safety.
As the Senate prepares to deliberate on this proposal, Nigerians are expressing mixed reactions. Will this bill bring much-needed order to the roads, or will it create new economic hurdles? The coming days will determine whether this ambitious legislation gains traction or faces stiff opposition from transport unions and business groups.
What are your thoughts on this proposed ban? Would it be a game-changer for road safety, or do you see it as an obstacle to economic activities?
PIONEER NEWS 