Public transportation and energy utilisation during Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract

New public transport planning requirements are developed as many countries start to navigate their return to normality after the COVID-19 lockdown. This study combines key developments regarding public transportation and effect of the lockdown on energy utilization during the first and second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Data were sourced from the National Bureau of Statistic and Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) on distribution of Fuel and gas energies which thematically analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on transportation systems in Lagos Nigeria. The decline in vehicular density on roads which leads to reduced fuel consumption coupled with infection risk in public transportation in the so-called post-lockdown phase. Domestic gas consumption and electricity generation were slightly affected during this period. Changes in travel demands; Financial sustainability; Increased cost of transportation and Loss of revenue were revealed as significant impact of the pandemic. Lastly, this study identifies maintenance of key principles in mitigating the spreading of the virus, probable energy utilization, policy recommendations and future management of resources that are most inclined to the development objectives of developing nations in the time of COVID-19 and beyond.