Urban Road Transportation in Nigeria From 1960 To 2006: Problems, Prospects And Challenges.

Abstract

The nature of urban road transportation problems in Nigeria as at today can best be appreciated by looking at the trend of its development since Nigeria came into existence. Thus, this paper, attempt a cursory review of urban road transportation system in Nigeria from 1960 to 2006 (a period of 46 years). The paper adopts exploratory method of research to examine and discuss relevant issues of interest in the history of Nigeria road transport system in six sections. It was discovered that urban road transport system in Nigeria is inefficient and grossly inadequate even after 46 years of becoming independent from Colonial Rule. The paper suggested the construction of more motor-able roads within cities in order to increase the network; encourage increased public and private participation in the provision of transport services within cities and inter-cities transport system. The adoption of motorcycle as public mode of transportation in cities should be institutionalized since the users are constrained to use this means of transportation in the absence of alternative. However, policies guiding the regulations and use of this mode should be formulated and monitored so that its use would not impact negatively on the commuters' mobility rights and lives. Similarly, government should provide enabling environment that would guaranty efficient and adequate movement of vehicles in cities.

Traffic Congestion and Parking Difficulties in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria

“…Associated with these implications are various urban problems such as housing problems, environmental pollution, transportation problems and general inadequacy of infrastructural facilities (Ogunbodede, 2008). Urban mobility problems had been on the increase since independence in many Nigerian cities.…”

“…This is due to rapid increase in population of urban areas, which is not matched with growth in transport facilities such as road network, transport complimentary facilities, transport services and traffic management techniques. Thus urban transport problems have increasingly been noted since 1960, to be characterized by inadequate and inefficient services, long waiting time at bus stop, long travelling time, environmental pollution, traffic congestions and bad roads, shortage of vehicles and the use of motorcycle as a means of urban passenger transport system (Ogunbodede, 2008).…”

“…Thus, the private owners dictated largely the modus operandi of the nation's public transport system. The use of public transport for intra-urban movement purposes were largely concentrated in large cities like Lagos and Ibadan while commuters contend with the use of trekking within smaller towns in Nigeria as at 1960 (Ogunbodede, 2008). The situation however changed drastically today as vehicle stocks increased astronomically in towns and cities.…”

“…The situation however changed drastically today as vehicle stocks increased astronomically in towns and cities. According to Ogunsanya (1998) (Ogunbodede, 2008). Unfortunately, the roads constructed then were unable to accommodate the increased vehicle at such a rapid speed hence, the problem of immobility in Nigeria cities started to unfold.…”

Public Transport Pricing in Nigeria

“…The para-transit modes such as minibuses, vans and shared taxis used by the private operators have low occupancy capacity, higher operating costs (compared to bus) and increase traffic volume on highways causing congestion, time loss, accident and other related externalities that increase fare (Fadare and Wojuade, 2007). The majority of government (public) transit companies were run at loss and had folded up due to mismanagement, political interference, lack of trained personnel and commitment by employees and poor maintenance culture (Ogunbodede, 2008;Ikporukpo, 1998 andWorld Bank, 1990).…”