Traffic Congestion Problems in Central Business District (CBD) Ikeja, Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Central Business Districts (CBD) are indisputable areas of traffic attraction occasioned by the growing population concentration, rapid urbanization, and increasing commercial and economic activities. High population generates heavy vehicular traffic, leading to vehicular conflict and congestion as well as other mobility related challenges, which adversely affect the ultimate goal of people’s mobility. The CBD is expected to offer high accessibility and mobility advantages, coupled with the provision of transportation infrastructures which paradoxically, are being threatened by mobility challenges resulting in low productivity and loss of man-hours within Ikeja CBD, thus adversely affecting the overall wellbeing of Lagos residents. This research examines the challenges of traffic congestion and management problems within Ikeja CBD. Data were collected through questionnaire administration, based on 100 per cent physical characteristics survey, while another 200 socio-economic characteristics survey were administered using quota sampling method to gather relevant information on traffic and transportation issues. Also, desk study of relevant documents, and interviews were equally conducted. Inferential and non-inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed a haphazard land use pattern, resulting into traffic and transportation bottleneck, vehicular conflict and avoidable traffic congestion, longer travel time and low productivity among others. The paper considers the need for a review of Ikeja CBD development guide as well as effective traffic management through enforcement and compliance with planning and parking rules and regulations among other suggestions.

Keywords: Central Business District, Commercial activities, Mobility, Parking, and Traffic Congestion