Effects of insurgency on road transport operation in Niger State Nigeria

Abstract

The rate of insurgency in Nigeria in general and Niger State in particular especially on the roads is of great concern to the governments and the stakeholders in the country. The fear of the unknown and whether someone will arrive at his/her final destination has become a mirage. Many refuses to travel again, some using alternative means such as rail and air transport, while several others now make the only essential journey. It is on this premise that this paper focuses on the effects of insurgency on road travel and freight transportation in, Niger state. Secondary information from reports on transport insecurity was analysed while 301 copies of questionnaires were administered using simple random sampling to passengers at seven major interstate road transport parks in Minna. Oral interview was also deployed to acquire information from park managers and operators of the various interstate transport service providers. Findings revealed that the safety and security of lives and goods were some of the important factors that determine the choice of transportation services. It was also revealed that increase in fare rates; waiting times and reduced patronage were the major effects of insecurity on interstate road transport service in Minna. The paper therefore recommends the overhauling of the security arms of the nation by recruiting more personnel, providing them with efficient weapons and incentives while the roads should be well maintained, lighted at night and equipped with cameras. Furthermore, efforts should be made to encourage the use of virtual technologies to reduce the need for travels, thereby reducing risk of attacks on roads.