SOLD BY: AN EXAMINATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA
(A CASE STUDY OF LOKOJA METROPOLIS)
Abstract
Transport can be viewed as a public
utility which supplies essential goods and services, whereessential
means they cannot be cut off without danger of total or partial collapse
of an economy.In what follows, the transport situation in Nigeria is
reviewed in order to provide a some what qualitative impression of the
need to rebuild the infrastructure. Then follows a comment on
the transport policy to the extent to which it provides a guide to
planning in the sector. A review of the current reform efforts is next
provided along with proposed institutional frameworks. The paper
concludes with a list of investment programmes proposed to support the
implementation of the seven-point agenda on the transport sector.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Transport can be viewed as a public
utility which supplies essential goods and services, where essential
means they cannot be cut off without danger of total or partial collapse
of aneconomy (Dieter Bos, 2003). Along with power and communication,
transport is one of the social overhead capitals which must be developed
to a critical minimum level in order to facilitate investments in the
other sectors.
From the allocative point of view
transport contributes to the infrastructure of the economy, while from
the distributional point of view it contributes to providing consumers
with necessities of life. There is a pressing need to rebuild the
infrastructure of the country as a whole, but rebuilding transport
infrastructure should drive this effort so as to provide the basis for
addressing the distributional aspects of transport in the context of
economic development, especially at this time when the entire national
transport system is in the process of transformation, following global
trends.
The key components of transport in focus
are roads and road transport operators, railway and rail transport
operations, airports and airlines, ports and shipping companies, inland
waterways, and urban public transport.
The NEEDS framework constitutes a
transport development strategy that is private-sector driven, providing
an environment capable of addressing the issues of wealth creation,
employment generation and poverty reduction.
This overarching strategy formed the
basis of the fundamental objective of the country’s National Transport
Policy which is to develop an adequate, safe, environmentally sound and
efficient transport system in the context of a progressive and
competitive market economy(The Draft National Transport Document, 2010).
According to the national transport
policy document, the transport sector would take advantage of the
private sector initiative to do the following:
- Improve efficiency of operatives and management of transport parastatals.
- Achieve the desired reduction in thecost of providing transport services.
- Facilitate further development in the nation’s transport infrastructure.
- Eliminate congestion both in the intercity and intra-city traffic flows.
- Encourage the emergence of Nigeria as a transport hub for West and Central Africa Sub-region.
The National Transport Policy was an
attempt to document a transport policy of government in one publication
which contains policy statements, objectives and possible implementation
strategies. The existing transport policy document was written in 1993;
it has been revised twice since then, and the current version is
awaiting legislation. The policy covers all modes, but it is not clear
whether it should supersede all other existing transport related policy
statements, for example, the ones on aviation, and on a separate
shipping policy associated with the National Maritime Authority and
Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The growth of transport infrastructure
and facilities as well as their increased use have undoubtedly brought
many economic and health benefits. But they have also brought many
problems which have led to environmental crisis both at the global and
local levels.
Population and economic pressures
generate increased demand for transportation networks and this is
accompanied by significant environmental effects. Although Lagos state
is the smallest in Nigeria having a total area of 357,700 hectares, it
is undoubtedly the most densely populated state in Nigeria due to its
commercial and economic activities. Population of the city stands at
about18 million inhabitants with a current estimated population growth
rate of 6% each year. There is high migration from the rural centers to
Lagos as it occupies over 60% of the industries in Nigeria (Ofomata,
2004). 45% of nation‟s skilled manpower resides in the city this is
because Lagos is the hub of the nation‟s economic activities.
Poor traffic management is a major
problem of the KOGI transport system. Oni, (2012) argues that traffic
congestion is a major transportation problem in Nigerian cities. The
KOGI road transport system is plagued with high incidences of traffic
congestion. This is a situation in which the demand for road exceeds the
supply. In other words, the demand for passenger movements per- day
exceeds the transportation resources available to meet these needs. The
paradox in geometric growth in vehicle ownership in the state without
corresponding land-use planning and sustainable transportation planning
strategies in the state is another reason for worry.
Associated with the traffic congestions
are problems of parking. Parking demands far outweigh the available
supply in most Nigerian cities (Ogunbodede, 2008). This results in
road-side parking and illegal parking, which are common features in
urban centers of Nigeria. The ineffective regulation on parking has
further worsened the situation.
Other causes of road congestion in KOGI
to include pot holes/ bad roads, trading activities, on-street parking,
loading and discharging of passengers, illegal bus stops, poor drainage,
vehicle breakdown, narrow road sections, religious activities, lack of
parking space and traffic lights at some intersections. There is need
for proper traffic management and control of vehicles ownership in other
to decrease environmental pollution from the road transport sector
(Bashiru and Waziri, 2008).
The air quality problem associated with
road transport is also evident in KOGI state. High levels of emissions
from road transport vehicles are common, because vehicles are kept on
the roads much longer than their expected economic life. In addition
slow moving vehicles during traffic periods combined with poorly
maintained vehicle stock increases environmental pollution. Onokala and
Phil-Eze, (2001) quoted the level of carbon monoxide for KOGI as
(10.6ppm 8 hours average and maximum 1 hour concentration of 100ppm).
While Aderamo, (2012) reported that the atmospheric lead levels had
risen considerably more in Nigeria than other African countries and this
indicates a severe problem.
Also the poor quality of fuels sold in
the market which contains various additives results in pollution when
emitted from exhaust pipes of vehicles. Vehicular emissions inevitably
give rise to a large number of hydrocarbon pollutants, also known as
volatile organic compounds. Some notable impacts of air pollution
include loss of life, chronic respiratory illness, and cardiovascular
defects. Other consequences of air pollution include corrosion, acid
rain, soiling of fabrics, damage of crops and other vegetation including
damage to aesthetic values. In other to eliminate the risk of
environmental pollution resulting from this; priority should be given to
the assessment of existing vehicular emissions, clean fuel programmes,
fuel quality control, and traffic management.
Poor Motor Vehicle Maintenance is
evident in the study area. During terminal operations: tank truck
cleaning, maintenance, repair, and refueling releases contaminants in
the environment. The disposal of used motor oil and tires could occur
during maintenance, not only at final disposal of the vehicle and its
parts but also during repairs. Disposal of Motor Vehicles and Parts,
scrap page of vehicles, improperdisposal of motor oil, tire disposal,
lead-acid batteries disposal are evident sources of environmental
pollution in the study area.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The study highlights the various modes
of transport in kogi state LGA and their levels of operation. The levels
of satisfaction of commuters to the public transport services show
that, trafficcongestion is intense in the study area particularly during
the peak periods and especially along major transport routes.
Apparently, the demand on existing public transport system outweighs the
capacity of existing transport facilities. The commuter’s modal choice
is predominantly commercial bus mainly controlled by the private sector.
Waiting at terminals of public transports is frustrating thus, reducing
the productivity of workers. To acquire more of these buses for
effective operation is a major problem occasioned by the limited income
of the operators. However, efficient and effective transport system is
critical for sustainable development of the study area in terms of
economic, environmental and safety considerations.
To investigate the contributory role of road transport on the poor state of the kogi environment.
The performance of any corporation or
parastatal is measured in terms of contribution to standard of living of
the people, profit return, cost effectiveness, market penetration
andcorporate image. The normative view of strategic planning is that
organizations that doformal planning have a higher probability of
success than those that do pot. If planning is so fundamental to
organizational success, this article looks at how strategic management
of a public enterprise can ensure its continuity regardless of the type
of government whether military or civilian. The paper is also aimed at
offering strategic solutions so as to improve the performance of kogi
state transport Corporation.
Specific objectives include;
- Evaluate the relationship between existent poor environmental conditions of the kogi state and the incidence of congestion.
- Investigate the relationships between the socio – economic characteristics of the road transport user and the state of the kogi environment.
- Assess the perception of road transport users on the quality transportation facilities available
This project would have provided both
the writer and readers the best opportunity to acquit themselves with
adequate theoretical and academic knowledge of the subject matter, but
shortage of time and limited availability of most recent materials on
the issues discussed constitute a limiting factor.
The study tends to cover public
transport management in Nigeria ( a case study of kogi state). We might
encounter the following limitations in the course of carrying out the
study;
- Collection of Information: There were limitations in getting all the required information needed for the research as some of the information’s where not forth coming due to lack of co-operation and secrecy the part of the respondents.
- Financial Limitation: There was also financial limitation, because to carry out a research of any kind you need money and being a student my finances are limited.
- Time Constraints: The time required to get the research done is limited being an academic requirement to finish your studies and research takes a considerable amount of time e.g two years.
- Secrecy: The respondents being questioned were reluctant in giving relevant information needed for the research work. They see the questions being asked as trying to probe them.
- Illiteracy: There was limitation of illiteracy on the part of some of the respondent. It is difficult for people who cannot read and write to appreciate the need to supply relevant research information.
The fact that sometimes we have to
combine our daily lectures and other academic activities with the
research work. These limitations can militate against the smooth conduct
of this study.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of the study was limited to
Okene Abuja expressway in kogi Nigeria. This is as a result of the
peculiar nature and state of the road and the kind of traffic generated
on this road on daily bases. Basically, the study investigated issues
arising from the objectives of the study. Within the confines of the
study, the efficiency of the urban authorities whose statutory
responsibility includes transportation planning and management was also
reviewed. The investigation examined the various implications of
improper transport management in the state.
1.7 Hypothesis
Hi: there is no relationship between the
poor environmental conditions/use of the road and the incidence of
congestion occurring on the road.
Ho: – There is significant relationship
1.8 Research questions
- Is there any relationship between the poor environmental conditions of the road and the level of congestion experienced on the road?
- What is the relationship between the socio – economic characteristics of the road transport user and the state of the kogi environment?
- What is the perception of road transport users on the quality transportation facilities available?
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