THE ROLE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN REDUCING POVERTY AND INEQUALITY IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF NAIRAXI, LAGOS)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background to the Study

One of the boldest goals ever set by the United Nations is to eradicate extreme poverty everywhere in all its forms by 2030 (UN, 2019a). In fact, huge strides have been achieved over the past 30 years, especially looking at the reduction of global poverty, decreasing from 43 percent in 1990 to 21 percent in 20101 (Inchauste et al, 2014). Yet, the pace of this decline is decelerating, and recent data has shown that if this trend continues, poverty will not end by 2030 (UN, 2019b). From a practical standpoint, the absolute number of people still struggling in these conditions remains over a staggering figure of 736 million in 20192 (UN, 2019a), which is approximately the total population in Europe. This fact does not only show how far we are, as a global community, from achieving this goal, but also how many more researchers and practitioners from across the range of human knowledge are still needed to deepen efforts towards this direction.

 

In the realm of transportation research, studies devoted to evaluating the links between poverty and transport have long been published in the literature. Despite being often overlooked in mainstream transport planning (Jones and Lucas, 2012b; Van Wee and Geurs, 2011), the potential contributions of the transportation sector to poverty reduction have been investigated in several countries since the late 1960s (Porter et al, 2014; Benevenuto and Caulfield, 2019).

 

Providing transport facilities or reducing financial (and other) barriers to travel can offer ways to address poverty, through for example widening the range of opportunities for employment and education that can be reached. Transport should be seen as a service, which can reduce poverty by increasing economic efficiency and enhancing opportunities (Gannon and Liu, 1997).

 

The role of transport in helping to address poverty has been recognized by governments. The Transport White Paper issued by the Labour Government in 1998 (Department for Transport, 1998) said: “Being unable to afford transport can limit everyday life. Job, training and education opportunities are more limited and there is less choice in shopping, adding to the family budgets of those least able to bear the cost”. The guidance to the 2010 Child Poverty Act (Department of Education, 2010) says: “Transport infrastructure, and accessibility to local services for children and parents, and employment opportunities for parents, are important in all local areas and are likely to be particularly so for those living in more remote or rural areas where the effects of growing up in poverty may be compounded by poorer access to services”.

 

As a developing country with a rapidly growing population, Nigeria faces challenges related to urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and income disparities. Effective public transportation systems have the potential to alleviate these issues by providing affordable and accessible mobility options for all citizens (World Bank, 2018).

 

Firstly, reliable and affordable public transportation facilitates access to economic opportunities for low-income individuals. A well-connected transportation network enables workers to reach job markets, fostering employment opportunities and income generation. Additionally, it encourages entrepreneurship by reducing the barriers to market entry for small businesses and informal traders. Eradicating all forms of extreme poverty by the year 2030 is one of the most ambitious missions of the United Nations (UN, 2019a).

 

In fact, looking back over the period of the last 30 years especially, in the reduction of global poverty which stood at 43 percent in 1990 to 21 percent in 20101 (Inchauste et al, 2014). However, the rate at which these economies are improving is no longer as fast as it was earlier. Even more worrying is data that estimates that unless there is significant change, global poverty will not be eliminated by the year 2030 (UN, 2019b). In the practical sense, there was still an enormous amount of 736 million people living in the described conditions as of 20192 (UN, 2019a), which is roughly the population of all 44 nations of Europe. The magnitude of this figure not only reveals how far off target we are as the global community, but rather how much more researchers and practitioners of diverse branches of human knowledge are needed to advance it towards this goal.

 

Studies examining the connections between poverty and transportation have long been published in the literature in the field of transportation research. The potential contributions of the transportation sector to poverty reduction have been studied in a number of countries since the late 1960s, despite the fact that it is frequently disregarded in mainstream transportation planning (Jones and Lucas, 2012b; Van Wee and Geurs, 2011) (Porter et al, 2014; Benevenuto and Caulfield, 2019). By expanding access to work and educational opportunities, for instance, or by lowering financial and other obstacles to travel, transportation facilities can help alleviate poverty.

 

According to Gannon and Liu (1997), transportation should be viewed as a service that can alleviate poverty by improving opportunities and economic efficiency. Governments have acknowledged the role that transportation plays in reducing poverty. Being unable to afford transportation can limit daily life, according to the Labour Government's 1998 Transport White Paper (Department for Transport, 1998). The family budgets of those who can least afford it are further strained by the lack of employment, training, and educational opportunities as well as the reduced shopping options.

 

According to the Department for Education (2010) guidance on the Child Poverty Act 2010, "transport infrastructure, access to local services for parents and children and employment opportunities for parents are and are likely to be important in all local areas." This is particularly true for those in more remote ones or rural areas, where the effects of growing up in poverty can be compounded by poorer access to services." Nigeria, a developing country with a rapidly growing population, has problems with income inequality, Urbanization and poor infrastructure. These problems could be alleviated by efficient public transport systems that provide accessible and affordable mobility options for all citizens (World Bank, 2018).

 

First, accessible and affordable public transportation makes it easier for low-income people to take advantage of economic opportunities A well-connected transport network provides access to labor markets, which promotes job creation and income generation. In addition, it promotes entrepreneurship by reducing the barriers faced by small businesses and informal traders when entering the market.

 

Second, Public transportation plays a vital role in promoting social inclusion by ensuring equitable access to essential services, including education and healthcare. Robust transport infrastructure ensures that marginalized communities, often located in remote areas, have access to schools, hospitals and other essential services, thereby narrowing the gap in socio-economic development (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2016). Additionally, public transportation can contribute to environmental sustainability, indirectly benefiting vulnerable populations. Encouraging the use of mass transit systems over private vehicles reduces emissions, leading to improved air quality and overall health outcomes. This connection between ecological sustainability and poverty reduction underlines the interconnectedness of various social challenges and the potential for comprehensive solutions through well-thought-out transport planning. Finally, public transport can serve as a catalyst for urban development, attracting investment and promoting economic growth in different regions, thereby eliminating regional development disparities (Graham & Glaister, 2002).

 

 

1.2   Statement of the Problem

The issue of poverty and inequality in Nigeria is exacerbated by a deficient and inefficient public transportation system. Many low-income individuals residing in both urban and rural areas struggle to access economic opportunities due to the lack of affordable and reliable transportation options. In urban centers, where a significant portion of the population resides, inadequate public transportation infrastructure results in congestion, longer commutes, and increased transportation costs. This disproportionately affects the economically disadvantaged, as they are compelled to allocate a considerable portion of their limited income to transportation expenses, leaving them with fewer resources for other essential needs such as education, healthcare, and housing (World Bank, 2018).

 

Moreover, the spatial distribution of transportation services often perpetuates social and economic disparities. Rural communities are frequently isolated from vital services and employment centers due to a lack of accessible and well-connected transportation networks. This spatial mismatch exacerbates poverty in these areas, limiting residents' ability to access education, healthcare, and job opportunities. Therefore, the inadequacies in Nigeria's public transportation system contribute significantly to the perpetuation and deepening of poverty and inequality, highlighting the urgency for comprehensive reforms and strategic interventions in the transportation sector (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2016).Top of Form

 

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine the role of public transportation in reducing poverty and inequality in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:

1. 1.  To assess the impact of public transportation on access to employment opportunities for low-income individuals in Nigeria.
2. 2.  To analyze the relationship between public transportation and access to essential services (healthcare, education) for low-income communities in Nigeria.
3. To investigate the potential of public transportation to reduce income inequality and promote social inclusion in Nigerian cities.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. Does the availability and affordability of public transportation in urban areas correlate with increased employment rates among low-income residents?
2. How does the distance and travel time to essential services (healthcare facilities, schools) differ for low-income communities with varying levels of public transportation access?
3. How does the spatial distribution of public transportation infrastructure and services contribute to or alleviate economic segregation in Nigerian cities?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:

Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between public transportation and reducing poverty and inequality in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:

Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Transportation Management sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.

Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analyzed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organizations used as a case study.

Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is delimited to Nairaxi, Lagos.  Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.

1.9 Organization of the Study

The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.

Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.

Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.

Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.

Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.

1.10 Definition of Terms

1       Public Transportation: Public transportation refers to systems of vehicles, including buses, taxis, trains, and other forms of mass transit, that are available for use by the general public.

2       Poverty: Poverty is a condition where individuals or households lack sufficient financial resources to meet basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare.

3       Inequality: Inequality refers to the uneven distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society.

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