By FEMI OGUNSHOLA

A bill for an act to provide for a law to protect commuters rights on Wednesday, scaled first reading at the House of Representatives.

This followed the presentation of the general principles of the bill, by the sponsor, Rep. Abdullahi Halims, the Deputy House Leader at plenary.

The bill is titled, “An Act to provide a framework for the promotion, protection, provision of safety, and enforcement of the rights and obligations of commercial commuters in Nigeria and for other related matters, 2023.”

Presenting the bill, Halims said that its objectives were to ensure that the safety, comfort, and rights of commuters were prioritised.

He said that the bill sought to ensure that commuters’ rights and dignity were promoted and protected, adding that it would ensure a national passenger protection plan.

“This will include insurance coverage for road, rail, and water transport,” he said.

He added that the bill would ensure that commercial transporters provide insurance coverage for their passengers.

“This will come through a subscription to premium insurance coverage that could facilitate making claims under the National Passengers Protection Plan.

“I once again solicit your support to allow the bill to be read a second time,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that lawmakers spoke in favour of the bill, which was unanimously adopted for second reading.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, aligned with lawmakers on the bill. (NAN)