Problems of Transportation in Nigeria & Solutions

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Transportation is an important aspect of growth and economic

development in any country. Why not? Transportation connects people

and places and is what facilitates trade which in turn boosts economic

development. Transportation not only enhances the economy but also

culture and social interactions as people travel for the purpose of

tourism and entertainment. In Nigeria, the form of transportation is

road transport, railway, air, and sea. Of course, the most used of all

the modes of transportation is road transport.









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This is why it is very important that road transportation in any

society be most easily accessible. People use road transportation both

locally and across states. For example, when commuting from their

homes to their places of work or study, or to transport their goods

within a state or interstate. Nigeria is reported to have the largest

highway and road network in Africa. However, the state of road

transportation in the country is saddening. This article highlights

the problems of transportation in Nigeria and solutions to these

problems.



Problems of Transportation in Nigeria & Solutions











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Poor road infrastructure



The state of most road networks in Nigeria is simply saddening. This

is the first problem of road transportation in Nigeria. Even when

roads are recently constructed, they are done with low-quality

materials so the roads do not last long. The problem of poorly built

roads can be attributed to corruption because road contracts are

awarded based on who can bribe his way through. After the construction

companies have been awarded the contract, they set to recover the

money lost and then do not the job well by using cheaper and

substandard materials. Most of the roads that are recently constructed

have lost their asphalt surface and all that is left is the gravel

beneath. What you will then find is uneven surfaces, potholes, and

eroded areas. The poor state of the roads makes traveling an extreme

sport and sometimes almost impossible especially during raining

seasons. During raining seasons, some of the roads are covered by

water which further destroys the asphalt surface of the road. One can

only imagine the economic losses that happen because of the poor state

many road networks in Nigeria. Many regions are becoming dead because

of the non-motorable road network. The solution to this is that the

government needs to prioritize the rehabilitation of road networks.

The government also needs to ensure that those awarded the contract do

a good job by monitoring it closely.



Poor road maintenance



Roads need to be properly maintained with good quality materials or

less they start to wear out and even get worse than they were before.

The lack of proper maintenance or maintenance at all has contributed

to the poor state of road transport in Nigeria today. You should know

that most of the major road networks in Nigeria were constructed in

the 80s and early 90s and have rarely seen any form of repair since

then, this is why they are old and worn out. Even when it is obvious

that these roads need repair, it is usually delayed before attended

to. This makes it even more expensive and difficult to repair. Another

issue is the use of low-quality materials in repairs, which makes the

road get worse even after repair. The solution to this is that road

repairs should be done on time. The government should put policies in

place that ensure that roads are checked at intervals and on a regular

basis. Roads should also be repaired with the right materials only.



Road congestion



Road congestion refers to the much load and demands on a road than its

capability. Many Nigerian roads are in bad shape because there is an

excess number of cars plying the road. Road congestion can be traced

to the root problem of urbanization and overpopulation, especially in

cities.







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Many are moving to cities from villages because of the opportunities

that abound there. This results in overpopulation in major cities, and

places excess demand on the roads. For example, in major cities such

as Lagos, there is constant and daily congestion. Much damage is

caused because of heavy use on the roads.



Accidents in Nigeria today



Another problem of transportation in Nigeria is the high rate of road

fatalities. Accidents are caused by many factors such as those

mentioned above. Others include bad roads, road congestion, reckless

driving, impatience, disobedience of traffic rules, etc. The Federal

Roads Safety Commission needs to tackle this problem head-on by

putting systems in place to ensure the citizens obey traffic rules and

drive responsibly. Such measures include re-orientation of road users,

heavy penalties for defaulters, etc. Accidents on Nigerian roads is a

transportation problem in Nigeria that needs to be tackled

immediately.



Non-availability of any other means of transportation



In Nigeria, road transportation is not just one of the modes of

transports, it is practically the only means of transportation

especially inter-state (apart from air transportation which many

cannot afford). The Nigerian railway transport system used to boom but

has now been abandoned. If the rail transport system is functioning in

Nigeria, it will put fewer demands on the road system as many will use

that option in traveling. It will lead to less damage to the road

because there would be less congestion. Also, heavy loads will be

carried via the rail system which will reduce the pressure on the road

system. The dangers caused by heavy trucks and lorries on Nigerian

roads will also be brought to a minimal level. There would be fewer

accidents caused by heavy trucks and lorries. The solution to this

problem is that the government needs to prioritize investments in

other forms of transportation such as the rail transportation system.



Lack of proper drainage facilities



Erosion which is caused by lack of proper drainage facilities such as

gutters is another major thing that has destroyed the state of

Nigerian roads. Proper drainage facilities should be made available

along with road networks so that water would no longer settle on the

roads and wash away the asphalt surface.







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