Transportation and Economic Development in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Lagos state as the commercial capital of Nigeria has chains of commercial activities driving its overall economic wellbeing. While is difficult to clearly state the major drivers of economic development in Lagos, it is certain that Lagos witnesses the influx of people from all walks of life as settlers and for business purposes. This brings about the need to enhance the transportation system and the infrastructure to accommodate the ever-increasing population of the commercial city. This study therefore examines the effect of transportation on the economic development of Lagos state, Nigeria. Transportation was assessed using three themes (transport infrastructural quality, transportation policy frameworks and operational performance) while economic development was considered from the overall well-being of the state. The study utilized qualitative research design and deployed content analysis on the reviewed extant literature to draw inferences based on the themes of the study. The study found that Lagos has robust transportation infrastructure in place and outstanding transportation policy framework. However, the operational performance of the transport system requires the implementation of the state transport policy to achieve the desired efficiency. It was recommended among others, that the state should intensify effort in ensuring full implementation of its transport policy to mitigate incidence of congestion, touting among commercial drivers and enhance transportation safety.