Urban Traffic Dilemma and Potential Remedy: Example from Ilorin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Ilorin is one of the major cities in Nigeria today and its growing strength in both socio-economic affiliations is admirable. However, the city is potently tainted with traffic bottleneck which occasionally results into traffic dilemma accidents and clogging, stampede and free-fight between and among road users include drivers, motor cyclists and pedestrians in some places in the city. Current problems are emanating from bad old roads, narrow streets and multiple pot-holes, abandoned heaps of sand purposely needed for building and construction or refuse wastes, lack of parking space, as well as emergence of mini inter-urban legal (illegal) motor parks‟ garages in major streets of Ilorin. On the spot observation and the use of scheduled interview provided more insight feelings of the people who are residing in Ilorin city in the recent time. Results reveal urgent attentions are needed to provide more infrastructure and social amenities to the people living in the city. Policy implications in favour of the more deprived areas include stronger community involvement by the local residents and more positive upgrading of roads, expansion of narrowed streets and modern traffic control measures may serve as potential succor to the city traffic problems.

Key words: Emerging city, traffic dilemma, clogging, potential remedy