1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
Traffic congestion in commercial cities in Nigeria has been a cause for concern for every well-meaning Nigerian who craves for infrastructural development and maintenance. The continuous road traffic congestion in Nigerian cities especially in Lagos which started from the 1980s immediately after Udeoji award which enhanced household income and resulted to increased desire for both private and commercial vehicle ownership is intensifying on daily basis. The daily movement of people in Nigerian cities is becoming more difficult and complex.
Lagos state being the most populated state in Nigeria according to the national population commission has been engulfed in traffic congestion this may be due to population explosion and urban migration which has increased the pressure on the available infrastructure. This is reflected in the increasing bumper-to-bumper traffic being experienced in the major cities during the morning (7:00am — 9:00am) and afternoon (3:00pm — 6:00pm) peak hours (Okpala, 1981:46). In some cases, such as in Lagos, road traffic congestion is being experienced throughout the day from 8:00am — 9:00pm which can even extend into the dead of the night on occasions.
In Lagos state especially, it is not uncommon for commuters to spend more than two hours enroute to work, school, market, hospital etc. or back home even when to and fro distance is not much. According to Okpala (1998: 23), the situation has become so common that it even appears that traffic hold-ups are becoming acceptable excuses for late attendance to work or even formal and informal meetings. This malady in most of the Nigerian cities has been causing people a lot of concern (Oyefesobi, 1981:35). It is posing formidable challenges to both state governments, Local government Councils, researchers and particularly the city residents.
1.2 Statement of the problem
The search for an enduring solution to the traffic problems will necessarily commence with thorough investigation that will unveil the factors responsible for such problems. This is what this study intends to do with particular reference to Oshodi-Apapa express way Lagos.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to Statistically Analyze the Traffic Congestion. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To provide this missing link by way of making good attempt at identifying the factors which are responsible for traffic problems in Oshodiapapa express way.
- To recommend ways of easing traffic congestion in Lagos.
- To examine the major causes of road traffic congestion in Lagos.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the major causes of traffic congestion?
- What can be done to ease traffic congestion in Lagos?
- Is there a relationship between traffic congestion and increase in crime rate in Lagos?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between crime and traffic congestion in Oshodiapapa expressway
- H1: There is a significant relationship between crime and traffic congestion in Oshodiapapa expressway
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of this research is focused on the statistical analysis of road traffic congestion at the OshodiApapa express way Lagos state.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint:
The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint:
Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents:
A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.8 Definition of terms
Traffic:
The movement of vehicles, ships, persons, etc., in an area, along astreet, through an air lane, over a water route, etc
Crime:
An illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government.
