Analysis of the Mobility Culture of the Peri-Urban Residents in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has created extensive peri-urban zones that blur traditional urban-rural boundaries, presenting unique transportation challenges that require nuanced understanding of resident mobility patterns and underlying socio-cultural factors. This study aims at examining the mobility culture of peri-urban residents in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, with focus on, amongst others, exploration of cultural and social dimensions of transportation behaviour in the peri-urban areas of Minna. A household survey of 825 residents across fourteen peri-urban neighbourhoods employed systematic sampling to investigate transportation mode preferences, trip patterns, travel costs, and socio-demographic influences. The research utilized descriptive and inferential statistical approaches, including cross-tabulations and correlation analysis to examine relationships between variables. The study reveals a predominantly middle-class population with 54.1% holding tertiary education, challenging conventional assumptions about peri-urban demographics. Transportation patterns demonstrate sophisticated multi-modal approaches, with personal vehicles accounting for 38.7% of work trips, commercial transport serving 34.6%, and walking comprising 18.1%. Significantly, 56.0% of residents commute outside their neighbourhoods for employment, generating substantial transportation demands and costs. Monthly incomes show 66.1% earning below 70,000 naira, yet 12.6% spend above 300 naira daily on transportation, creating affordability challenges that exceed international benchmarks. Also, the study classifies critical infrastructure deficits affecting 77.4% of residents who rely on motorized transport, while revealing important cultural dimensions including religious travel patterns affecting 41.4% of households. Gender disparities in mobility access emerged as a significant concern requiring targeted policy intervention. It therefore recommends integrated multi-modal transportation corridors, income-based affordability programmes, gender-responsive services, and metropolitan transportation governance spanning multiple jurisdictions.