The Osun State House of Assembly has taken a firm stance against public road skating, proposing a six-month jail term or a fine of ₦250,000 for anyone caught skating on roads or sidewalks within the state. The move is part of efforts to regulate public safety and reduce hazards associated with skating in traffic areas.
The decision was made during Tuesday’s plenary session as lawmakers deliberated on the Osun State Skating Restriction Bill 2025. According to the Assembly, the bill aims to restrict roller skating to safe, designated areas, primarily indoors.
Speaker of the Assembly and Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Adewale Egbedun, explained that the use of roller skates on public roads poses risks not only to skaters but also to motorists and pedestrians. “Roller skating is an indoor activity and should remain within enclosed or safe recreational spaces,” he said during the session.
The bill, once passed into law, will empower both citizens and law enforcement to act. According to the proposed law, individuals may apprehend offenders and hand them over to the police. Upon conviction, violators would face either a minimum six-month prison sentence, a fine of ₦250,000, or both.
In addition, the law would give jurisdiction to both magistrates’ courts and high courts across the state to handle such cases. This would ensure faster legal processing and enforcement once the law comes into effect.
The proposed restriction comes amid growing concerns over road safety in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion and pedestrian safety remain major challenges. While skating has become increasingly popular among youths for both leisure and sport, its practice on busy public roads has led to several reported incidents and near-misses with vehicles.
Supporters of the bill argue that regulation is necessary to prevent accidents and maintain public order. Critics, however, may view the law as overly harsh, especially in areas with limited recreational facilities.
Roller skating is widely seen as a harmless recreational activity, but when done on roads not designed for such use, it becomes a risk to both the skaters and road users. In many parts of the world, such activities are restricted to parks, skate arenas, or designated paths to ensure public safety.
The Assembly has adjourned its sitting to Monday, May 12, when further discussions on the bill and other matters are expected to continue.
If passed, the Osun State Skating Restriction Bill 2025 will mark a significant step in enforcing public conduct laws in the state, potentially setting an example for other states looking to address similar issues.
For now, residents are advised to await the final passage of the bill and stay informed about the law’s requirements once it is signed into effect.
