(025) Transportation and its health implications in Nigeria, Musilimu Adetunji

Musilimu Adetunji
Federal University Lokoja
Nigeria

DOI: 10.47556/J.IJSR.3.1.2013.6

Purpose: This study examines the effects of atmospheric pollution emanating from transport infrastructure on human health in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach: Primary and secondary data were used for this research. The primary source involved the use of structured questionnaires to elicit information on the effects of transport pollutants in the study area. On average, fifty households, each in the three residential areas in Ibadan metropolis, were interviewed. In all, a total of one hundred and fifty household heads were interviewed. Secondary data were obtained from government periodicals, unpublished theses and journals. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data

Findings: The findings revealed that the transport sector has contributed significantly to the emissions of toxic substances into the atmosphere. High demand for used automobiles has increased the emission of toxic substance into the atmosphere, which is inimical to human health in the study area. Approximately 45.9% of the respondents claimed that they have transport related diseases such as asthma, eye problems and upper respiratory tract infections in the city. The study concluded that there is a need to reduce trips through integration of land uses and transportation planning, and more importantly, there is a need to shift to more energy-efficient modes.

Originality/value: Despite the strict regulations imposed on the importation of used vehicles into the country, the secondary data obtained from the Oyo State Licensing Office showed that the importation of automobile vehicles into Nigeria (which do not meet the emission standards of advanced countries) has increased tremendously over the years. Similarly, reliable data from the statistical records of Oyo State Environmental Protection Agency revealed that the rate of emission of toxic substances has increased over the past decade because of the discharge of pollutants from transport infrastructure.

Keywords: Urbanization, Transport, Atmosphere, Emission, Health, Automobile, Planning

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