Every time a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking, they make a calculated risk. In Nigeria, that calculation is terrifyingly simple: the potential cost of a life-altering accident versus a maximum fine of Five Thousand Naira (N5, 000). For the price of a decent lunch, a driver can gamble with their life and the lives of everyone on the road.
This absurd calculus is enshrined in Section 22 of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act of 2007. The law rightly states that driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.5g/l is an offence. However, the penalty according to the Act is a fine of N5, 000 or imprisonment not exceeding two year, this fine is a relic of a bygone era, utterly divorced from today’s economic realities and the grave dangers of impaired driving.
The Fatal Cost of Impairment
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is not a minor traffic infraction; it is a direct cause of carnage on our highways. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, reduces coordination, and creates a false sense of confidence. This lethal combination leads to speeding, dangerous overtaking, and an inability to respond to hazards, turning vehicles into deadly weapons.
While comprehensive Nigeria-wide data is challenging to collate, the trend is alarming. The Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the FRSC consistently report that “speed violation/road traffic violation” is the leading cause of road crashes. Within this category, driving under the influence is a significant, albeit underreported, contributor.
- In 2022, 13,656 road crashes occurred between January and December, with many linked to over speeding and loss of control synonymous with impaired driving [Source: FRSC].
- In 2023, a report indicated 5,000 death from road crash, leading cause of fatalities was avoidable driver error, a common outcome of alcohol and drug impairment [Source: FRSC].
- 2024 FRSC report also show a distressing pattern of accidents attributed to wrongful overtaking, loss of control, and dangerous driving. These are all classic markers of DUI-related incidents.
How Nigeria’s Fine Compares to the World
The N5, 000 fine is not just low; it is internationally embarrassing and demonstrates a failure to prioritize life. Let’s put it in perspective:
- Ghana: A first-time DUI offender can face a fine of up to 500 Ghana Cedis (approximately
N60, 900 Naira) or imprisonment. - South Africa: Fines can reach 120,000 Rand (a staggering
N10.3 Million Naira) and include a criminal record. - United Kingdom: The maximum fine is unlimited. The minimum penalty is a £2,500 fine (
N5.5 Million Naira) and a 12-month driving ban. - United States: Fines vary by state but typically start around $500 (
N750, 000 Naira) and can quickly escalate to thousands of dollars for repeat offences, alongside mandatory jail time.
When our West African neighbour penalizes impaired driving ten times more severely than we do, it reveals a critical flaw in our deterrent system.
A Call for Action to Protect Lives
The link between substance abuse, risky driving, and fatal accidents is undeniable. With the current economic pressures, a N5, 000 fine is a mere slap on the wrist, it is a cost of doing business for the reckless driver. It holds no deterrent value.
Therefore, there is an urgent and non-negotiable need for the National Assembly to amend Section 22 of the 2007 FRSC Act. The fine must be significantly increased to reflect the gravity of the offence. We propose raising the minimum fine to Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000 – N100,000) for a first-time offence, with mandatory imprisonment for repeat offenders and those involved in accidents causing injury or death.
This increase is not about generating revenue; it is about saving lives. It is about updating our laws to ensure the punishment is commensurate with the catastrophic potential of the crime. It is a necessary step to force drivers to think twice before drinking and driving, making our highways safer for all Nigerians.
The current law offers a deadly discount on tragedy. It is time for our legislation to value Nigerian lives more highly.
References:
- Nairametrics. (May 28, 2024). “Speed violations led to over 18,000 road crashes in Nigeria in three years – NBS”. Retrieved from https://nairametrics.com/2024/05/28/how-speed-violations-led-to-over-18000-road-crashes-in-nigeria-in-three-years-nbs/
- Punch Newspaper. (January 22, 2024).“Nigeria recorded over 5,000 road crash deaths in 2023” — FRSC. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/nigeria-recorded-over-5000-road-crash-deaths-in-2023-frsc/
- Punch Newspaper. (January 27, 2025). “Road Crashes Claim 5421 lives in 2024 – FRSC”. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/road-crashes-claimed-5421-lives-in-2024-frsc/