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. Keywords: commuting distance, Tokunbo, commuters, Kabukabu, Okada Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 1 (1) 2008: pp. 7-18