Impact of Road Transport Infrastructure on Commercial Transportation in Kano Municipality
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajdsi.v1i1.8279Keywords:
Accessibility, Commercial Transportation, Kano, Road Infrastructure, Transit-Oriented DevelopmentAbstract
Road transport carries virtually all passenger and freight movement in Kano, yet the physical network that supports it remains under-provisioned. Almost all passenger and freight movement in Kano is carried by road transport, but the physical infrastructure supporting it is still underdeveloped. This study used a mixed-method survey design to examine how the state and distribution of road transport infrastructure shape commercial transportation in Kano Municipality, with the goal of recommending measures for improving service delivery. Cochran’s formula produced a sample of 384 respondents drawn through multistage sampling across wards in Fagge and Tarauni, complemented by nine key informant interviews, a route-by-route infrastructure checklist covering 26 corridors, and direct field observation. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression in SPSS. With 68.8% of respondents using tricycles as their primary mode of transportation and 75.3% of respondents using commercial modes on a daily basis, reliance on commercial transportation was found to be high. Overall, infrastructure received a reasonable rating; bus stations and terminals received the lowest score of 2.57, while road signs received the highest mean score of 3.39. This pattern was reflected in service efficiency: modal integration (2.64) and trip time (2.86) were weak, whereas affordability (3.81) and accessibility (3.59) were quite strong. Regression confirmed a statistically significant but weak relationship between infrastructure and commercial transport use (R² = 0.061; F = 5.377, p < 0.001), streetlights (β = 0.154), overpasses (β = 0.126) and lane markings (β = 0.117) emerging as significant positive predictors. Existing infrastructure is therefore insufficient for prevailing demand, producing a system that is affordable and widely available yet inefficient, mono-modal and spatially unequal. Increased investment, terminal provision, regulation of informal operators and Transit-Oriented Development principles are recommended.
References
Abdullahi, A., Abdulganiyu, I. A., Morakinyo, O. E., Abdulquadri, K., & Yusuf, R. (2024). Exploring the efficiency of tricycles as a public transportation mode in Nigeria: A case study of Kano metropolis. Journal of Environmental Spectrum, 4(1).
Adepoju, O. (2021). Analysis of road transportation infrastructure construction and maintenance for sustainable development in South-Western Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development of Transport and Logistics, 6(1), 49–58.
Adeniran, A. (2016). Road transport and mobility in Nigeria: Concepts and perspectives. Transport Research Publications.
Adeyinka, A. (2013). Assessment of the quality of urban transport services in nigeria. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2(1), 49–58.
Ahmad, K., Afolabi, S., Nda, M., & Daura, H. (2018). Economic benefit of introducing a bus rapid transit (BRT) in Kano State, Nigeria. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 140.
Aigbedion, M., Siibu, S., & Igbinoba, O. (2015). The impact of road transportation on economic growth in nigeria: 1986–2013. International Journal of Education and Research, 3(9), 295–312.
Aliyu, M. (2021). How urban form and activities affect travel pattern in kano metropolitan city. Journal of Architecture and Civil Engineering, 6(9), 1–8.
Anjorin, O. (2024). Spatial analysis of transportation infrastructure distribution in adamawa state, nigeria: A location quotient perspective. Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society, 50, 113–128.
Armstrong-Wright, A. (1993). Public transport in third World cities. HMSO.
Aworemi, J., & Ajayi, J. (2013). Impact of integrated transport system on the productivity of SMEs in selected south-western states of nigeria. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 4(8).
Baldwin, R., & Forslid, R. (2000). The core-periphery model and endogenous growth: stabilizing and destabilizing integration. Economica, 67, 307–324.
Baldwin, R., & Okubo, T. (2006). Heterogeneous firms, agglomeration and economic geography: Spatial selection and sorting. Journal of Economic Geography, 6(3), 323–346.
Bamidele, B. (2022). Transportation challenges in nigerian cities: A synopsis.
Berg, J., & Ihlström, J. (2019). The importance of public transport for mobility and everyday activities among rural residents. Social Sciences, 8(2), 58.
Calderón, C., & Servén, L. (2003). The effects of infrastructure development on growth and income distribution. World Bank.
Calthorpe, P. (1993). The next American metropolis: Ecology, community, and the American dream. Princeton Architectural Press.
Cervero, R., & Kockelman, D. (1997). Travel demand and the 3Ds: Density, diversity, and design. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 2(3), 199–219.
Chen, P., & Chen, C. (2020). Impacts of extreme weather events on transportation infrastructure: A case study of Taipei City. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 86, 102428.
Chi, M., & Udo, Z. (2020). Analysis of the contributions of transport sector to economic growth in nigeria. Journal of Economics and Finance, 11(6), 18–35.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approaches (4th ed.). Sage.
Dike, D. N. (2012). An empirical study of the use of tricycle as a public transport mode in nigerian cities. Journal of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, 2(2), 66–76.
Djajasinga, N. (2021). The role of transportation facilities and infrastructure for community economic growth. In 1st Virtual Workshop on Writing Scientific Article for International Publication (pp. 345–350).
Ebelechukwu, A., Victor, O., Sunday, O., John, O., & Wisdom, O. (2024). Transportation infrastructure development and nigeria’s economy: An empirical investigation. International Journal of Social Science, Technology and Economics Management, 1(2), 330–336.
Farouq, M., Anwar, F., Baba, Z., Labbo, M., & Aliyu, D. (2017). Road maintenance management in kano state, nigeria: Case study of kano metropolitan. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 14(3), 50–62.
Flyvbjerg, B., Cantarelli, C., Wee, B., & Molin, E. (2004). Cost overruns in large-scale transportation infrastructure projects: Which explanations can be given?
Gunasekera, K., Anderson, W., & Lakshmanan, T. R. (2008). Highway-induced development: Evidence from sri lanka. World Development, 36(11), 2371–2389.
Hamza, A. (2019). Transport infrastructure development in nigeria: A case study of kebbi, sokoto and zamfara state. The beam: Journal of Arts & Science, 12(2).
Heintz, J., Pollin, R., & Garrett-Peltier, H. (2009). How infrastructure investments support the US economy: Employment, productivity and growth. Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Igwe, C., Oyelola, O., Ajiboshin, I., & Raheem, S. (2013). A review: Nigeria’s transportation system and the place of entrepreneurs. Journal of Sustainable Development Studies, 3(2), 168–180.
Iles, R. (2005). Public transport in developing countries. Emerald.
Ipingbemi, O., & Adebayo, A. (2016). Tricycle as a mode of public transportation in ibadan metropolis. Ife Research Publications in Geography, 14(1), 126–135.
Isaac, I., Habila, J., Opara, C., & Akpaka, U. (2020). Appraisal of the operation of tricycle as a means of commercial transportation in Minna, Nigeria. International Journal of Advanced Academic Research, 6(9), 119–133.
Kano State Government. (2024). Kano state 2025 fiscal year proposed budget.
Kassa, F. (2014). Informal transport and its effects in the developing world: A case study of addis ababa, ethiopia. Journal of Transport Literature, 8(2).
Liman, M. A. (2008). Intra-urban transport services in kano metropolis. Department of geography, bayero university kano.
Mayaki, H. (2014). An evaluation of government provision and maintenance of infrastructures in Nigeria: The case of road transport infrastructure [Master’s thesis, Ahmadu Bello University].
Mugenda, O., & Mugenda, A. (2003). Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. African Centre for Technology Studies.
Mustapha, A., & Yakudima, I. (2008). Commerce and market development in metropolitan kano. In Kano: Environment, society and development. Adonis & Abbey.
Nocke, V. (2006). A gap for me: Entrepreneurs and entry. Journal of the European Economic Association, 4(5), 929–956.
Ogunbodede, E. (2008). Urban road transportation in nigeria from 1960 to 2006: Problems, prospects and challenges. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, 1(1), 1–12.
Okunlola, O. (2018). Road maintenance financing and institutional capacity in Nigeria. Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology.
Olanrewaju, T. (2011). Infrastructure: Key challenge for SMEs. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 4(8), 1–6.
Olaogun, O. (2012). Highway and traffic engineering: A case study of Nigerian roads [Unpublished paper]. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
Olomola, A. (2003). Understanding poverty in nigeria: Highlights from NISER review of nigerian development. NISEREEL, 4–5.
Olorunfemi, S. (2021). Performance assessment of the state of road infrastructure in selected urban centers in kogi state, Nigeria. Prace Komisji Geografii Komunikacji PTG, 24(1), 31–43.
Olorunfemi, S. O., Akanmu, A. A., & Salisu, U. O. (2022). Government investment on road infrastructure in kogi state, nigeria: The impact on urban mobility. Journal of Social Sciences, 5(3), 88–104.
Oni, S. I., & Okanlawon, K. R. (2004). Nigeria’s transport infrastructural development: An integral part of the national economic empowerment and development strategy.
Onokala, P., & Olajide, C. (2020). Problems and challenges facing the nigerian transportation system which affect their contribution to the economic development of the country in the 21st century. Transportation Research Procedia, 48, 2945–2962.
Onyeocha, O., Nnaji, L., Anyanwu, L., Ajoku, S., Opoola, A., Faith, E., & Maduakolam. (2015). The impact of road transportation infrastructure on tourism development in nigeria. Pearl Journal of Management, Social Science and Humanities, 1(2), 48–55.
Orodho, J. (2009). Elements of education and social science research methods. Kanezja publishers.
Padeiro, M., Louro, A., & da Costa, N. (2019). Transit-oriented development and gentrification: A systematic review. Transport Reviews, 39(6), 733–754.
Percoco, M. (2014). Quality of institutions and private participation in transport infrastructure investment: Evidence from developing countries. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 70, 50–58.
Pradhan, R. P., & Bagchi, T. P. (2013). Effect of transportation infrastructure on economic growth in india: The VECM approach. Research in Transportation Economics, 38(1), 139–148.
Rokicki, B., Haddad, E. A., Horridge, J. M., & Stepniak, M. (2021). Accessibility in the regional CGE framework: The effects of major transport infrastructure investments in Poland. Transportation, 48, 747–772.
Suleiman, D., Hussaini, A., Daiyabu, Z., Aliyu, A., & Idris, M. (2024). Analysis of the road transport infrastructure in wudil town, nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Environmental Sciences and Technology, 8(1), 22–32.
Tamakloe, R., Hong, J., & Tak, J. (2021). Determinants of transit-oriented development efficiency focusing on an integrated subway, bus and shared-bicycle system. Cities, 108.
Tanko, A. I., Mustapha, A., & Liman, M. (2014). Urban transport operations in northern Nigerian cities. Bayero University Press.
Thomas, R., & Bertolini, L. (2015). Defining critical success factors in TOD implementation using rough set analysis. Journal of Transport and Land Use, 10(1).
UN-Habitat. (2018). SDG indicator 11.2.1 training module: Public transport system. United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
Usman, A. (2024). Analysis of condition of rural road transport in kwara state, nigeria. European Scientific Journal, 10(5), 288–307.
World Bank. (2024). Transforming the urban space through transit-oriented development: The 3V approach.
Yen, B., Mulley, C., Chen, M., & Chiou, Y. (2024). How transit-oriented development concepts and strategies influenced green transport systems: A meta-analysis approach. Asian Transport Studies, 10.
Yusuf, R., Adamu, H., Babanyara, Y., Yahaya, A., & Kawu, K. (2021). Urban crime incidence and prevention mechanisms in kano municipal area council. Environmental Technology & Science Journal, 12(1), 29–37.
Zhang, Y., & Zhu, D. (2021). Effects of urban environmental peculiarities on transportation infrastructure performance: Evidence from chinese cities. Journal of Transport Geography, 91, 102931.
Zhou, Y., Tong, C., & Wang, Y. (2022). Road construction, economic growth, and poverty alleviation in china. Growth and Change, 53(3), 1306–1332.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Abubakar Abdullahi, Zubairu Abubakar Ghani, Sani Jibir Dukku, Lumi Zamani Haruna, Omeiza David Idris, Yusuf Yakubu Yusuf (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
