Federal University Lokoja Hosts 30th Inaugural Lecture on Nigeria's Transport Planning

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) recently hosted its 30th Inaugural Lecture, themed "Unplanned Cities: Dilemma of Transport Planning and Development in Nigeria".

The lecture was delivered by Prof. Adetunji Muslimu Adeyinka, a renowned scholar of transport geography and urban studies.

Prof. Adeyinka highlighted the paradox of Nigeria's road system, where over 80% of the nation's transport is road-based, yet many highways remain riddled with potholes, contributing to frequent accidents and loss of lives.

He emphasized the importance of a sustainable maintenance culture, noting that pedestrian-friendly sidewalks improve safety, while poor drainage management exacerbates flooding and road hazards.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, described the lecture as timely given Nigeria's rapid urbanization, emphasizing that the insights from the lecture would deepen understanding of both the benefits and pitfalls of Nigeria's current urban growth .

Nigeria's roads and highways form the backbone of the country's transport network, handling 90% of all passenger and freight traffic.

The government is prioritizing the development of transport infrastructure, including road construction and rehabilitation projects, to support growth in non-oil sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture.

The government has also emphasized the importance of rail development, with plans to expand routes and create a multi-modal system linked with facilities such as ports and airports