THE NEXUS OF URBANIZATION, TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA; A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED CITIES IN EDO STATE

This research work sought to examine the nexus of urbanization, traffic congestion and transportation infrastructure development in Nigeria; a case study of selected cities in Edo State. The study made use of questionnaire to obtain data from respondent. Four objectives were raised for the study. The study found The country’s socio-economic ambitions are directly based on its transport infrastructure. However, the country’s current network transport infrastructure is in dismal state. Although the country has taken up ambitious plans to enhance its transport infrastructure by constructing new rail line and concession of the airports. It also found that critical factors that could contribute to the development of transport infrastructure in Nigeria, such as good planning, coordination between federal and state governments on transport policies, availability of technical expertise, assets management and eradication of corruption in awarding contracts and project execution. The study concluded that Traffic congestion has become a critical issue in many cities in Edo State, despite being sometimes touted as an inevitable symptom of strong economic growth. It is greatly affecting people’s quality of life. Therefore a suitable policies and frameworks are needed to improve transportation infrastructure in Nigeria.