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Volume XIV |

Perceived health effects of traffic congestion among commuters in Ota city, Nigeria

Abstract: Increased automobile dependency, rising car ownership rates, uncontrolled population growth and sporadic industrial and commercial development have led to unprecedented levels of traffic congestion in rapidly expanding cities, resulting in devastating socio-economic consequences. Against this backdrop, this study investigates the perceived health effects of traffic congestion among commuters in Ota City, Nigeria, as existing literature lacks a direct focus on this aspect within the African context. Specifically, it examines commuters’ socio-economic status (SES) and travel behavior, evaluates the nature of traffic congestion and its contributing factors in Ota City and assesses the health consequences of congestion on commuters. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study distributed 400 questionnaires to commuters at major motor parks in the city using systematic sampling. Key findings reveal that a significant proportion of respondents are male, possess formal education, predominantly travel within Ota City and rely mainly on taxis for both intra-city and inter-city commuting. The majority, approximately 80%, experience over 30 minutes of traffic congestion while traveling along major routes, with recurring congestion being predominant (46.2%). Factors such as unregulated loading and unloading, queuing discipline, on-street parking, street vending and road failures are top-ranked primary contributors to congestion. Furthermore, common health implications reported by commuters include backaches, body pain, swollen legs, headaches and fatigue. Regression analysis indicates a significant correlation between the severity of traffic congestion and the health implications experienced by commuters (F12/387 15.727, p=0.000<0.05). The study concludes by recommending effective strategies to mitigate persistent traffic congestion and its associated health effects among commuters in Ota City.

Volume XIV |

Livability assessment and socioeconomic impact indicators in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract: The accelerating pace of global urbanisation has intensified the demand for livable urban environments, particularly in rapidly expanding cities like Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria. This study assessed city livability and socioeconomic impact indicators in Lagos Metropolis. It specifically evaluated livability indicators using both quantitative data and residents’ perceived livability data, with the aim of identifying the most livable areas of the city, understanding the perceived importance of indicators, determining those with the highest socioeconomic impact and identifying livability constraints across local government areas (LGAs). Drawing on qualitative secondary data and cross-sectional survey responses from 1,284 residents selected through multistage sampling, the study employed spatial descriptive statistics, weighted mean analysis and multiple linear regression to achieve its objectives. Findings revealed notable variations in livability across LGAs, with Eti-Osa identified as the most livable and Ifako-Ijaiye as the least. Residents’ assessments highlighted housing, transportation and urban facilities as top-rated priorities, reflecting a strong emphasis on shelter, mobility and access to basic services as essential components of urban life. In contrast, resilience, gender equality and urban governance were ranked as the least important livability indicators. Furthermore, physical development, social security and public utilities emerged as the top-rated socioeconomic impact indicators, suggesting that well-structured infrastructure, personal safety and reliable basic services significantly enhance residents’ socioeconomic wellbeing. Contrarily, urban resilience, gender equality, governance and poverty reduction were perceived as the least impactful in this regard. Major perceived constraints included poor transport coverage, high housing costs, flood risks and inadequate infrastructure accessibility. Regression analysis (F 1236/11 = 83.21, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05) confirmed that these livability constraints significantly affect residents’ urban commitment (length of stay in their respective LGAs). The study recommends prioritising affordable housing, sustainable transport systems, climate resilience strategies and inclusive urban governance to enhance livability and improve Lagos’s standing in global urban indices.