CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Traffic congestion in commercial cities in
Nigeria has been a cause for concern for every well-meaning Nigerian
who craves for infrastructural development and maintenance. The
continuous road traffic congestion in Nigerian cities especially in
Lagos which started from the 1980s immediately after Udeoji award which
enhanced household income and resulted to increased desire for both
private and commercial vehicle ownership is intensifying on daily basis.
The daily movement of people in Nigerian cities is becoming more
difficult and complex.
Lagos state being the most populated state in Nigeria according to
the national population commission has been engulfed in traffic
congestion this may be due to population explosion and urban migration
which has increased the pressure on the available infrastructure. This
is reflected in the increasing bumper-to-bumper traffic being
experienced in the major cities during the morning (7:00am – 9:00am)
and afternoon (3:00pm – 6:00pm) peak hours (Okpala, 1981:46). In some
cases, such as in Lagos, road traffic congestion is being experienced
throughout the day from 8:00am – 9:00pm which can even extend into the
dead of the night on occasions. In Lagos state especially, it is not
uncommon for commuters to spend more than two hours enroute to work,
school, market, hospital etc. or back home even when to and fro
distance is not much. According to Okpala (1998: 23), the situation has
become so common that it even appears that traffic hold-ups are
becoming acceptable excuses for late attendance to work or even formal
and informal meetings. This malady in most of the Nigerian cities has
been causing people a lot of concern (Oyefesobi, 1981:35). It is posing
formidable challenges to both state governments, Local government
Councils, researchers and particularly the city residents.
Statement of the general problem
The search for an enduring solution to the
traffic problems will necessarily commence with thorough investigation
that will unveil the factors responsible for such problems. This is
what this study intends to do with particular reference to Oshodi-Apapa
express way Lagos.
Objectives of the study
This study aims at the following:
- To provide this missing link by way of making good attempt
at identifying the factors which are responsible for traffic problems
in Oshodiapapa express way.
- To recommend ways of easing traffic congestion in Lagos
- To examine the major causes of road traffic congestion in Lagos
Scope of the study
This study is on statistical analysis of road traffic congestion at the OshodiApapa express way Lagos state.
Research questions
- What are the major causes of traffic congestion
- What can be done to ease traffic congestion in Lagos?
- Is there a relationship between traffic congestion and increase in crime rate in Lagos?
Research hypothesis
H0: There is no significant relationship between crime and traffic congestion in Oshodiapapa expressway
H1: There is a significant relationship between crime and traffic congestion in Oshodiapapa expressway
Definition of terms
- Trafficthe movement of vehicles, ships, persons, etc., in an area, along astreet, through an air lane, over a water route, etc
- Crime:an illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government
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