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very high. Cycle way is absent due to the non-recognition of such NMT mode, and there is no adequate
funding for NMT in Lagos.
The majority of walkways in Lagos are used for trading and as parking lots. Most of the walkways also
suffer from obstruction.
5.1.5. Freight
Freight transportation plays an important role in the economy of Lagos, as the demand for goods
transport is strongly dependent on the level and nature of economic activities (Oni, 2004 in Somuyiwa,
2010). Vehicular volume for freight has continued to increase over the years and capacity expansion
has been regarded as a major panacea to minimization of road traffic congestion in LMA. Ironically,
the construction of new roads and expansion of old ones by successive administrations in Lagos has
never ameliorated the problem (Somuyiwa, 2010).
Despite the large volumes of goods transported from and to LMA, there is no accurate and reliable
data of origins and destinations of the goods, which hinders an effective and efficient analysis of freight
transport as well as transport planning of LMA (Mckinnon, 1998; Nockold, 2001 in Somuyiwa, 2010).
According to Somuyiwa (2010), industrial areas need to be planned relatively to design, operations
and maintenance of roads for instance, such that ultimate objectives of logistics can be achieved. This
can only be done through several advance techniques such as geographic information system, global
positioning system, logistics knowledge, intelligent transport system and modelling to optimize the
city environment, such that it assists in reducing both transport cost and negative environmental
impact.
5.1.6. Road safety
Traffic congestion in Lagos leads to not only increased fuel consumption and emission, but also high
accident rates. The increasing rate of road accidents has promoted more the need for private car
ownership. NMT users are the most vulnerable ones due to poorly protected street space for them.
Accident rate in Lagos is considered the highest in the world (World Bank, 2008).
5.1.7. Urban transport infrastructure financing
In the last decade, transportation infrastructure has been the focus of the public expenditure and PPP
scheme is centre in financing transport sector in Lagos. For the BRT for example, LAMATA set up the
first line with support from the World Bank. Private operators run the line in partnership with the
National Union of Road Transport. Commercial banks also take part by funding loans for purchasing
the vehicles used by the private operators.
Following the effectiveness of PPP venture for the BRT system, LAMATA was keen to explore the PPP
scheme for the implementation of its rail projects, under which the first metro line is being
constructed.
5.1.8. Health
5.1.8.1. Air quality and pollution
The profile of air pollution in Lagos by type and source reveals that road traffic is the major source of
air pollution in the city. Other sources include industries, dumpsites, open incinerators, and power
generators. The reason for this is not farfetched, 60% of all activities are carried out using motor
vehicles. Air pollutants of concern in Lagos include NOx, SO2, and particulate matter. These gases have
serious consequences on people’s health. Arising from the health implications of air pollution is that
of the economics of it. It is believed that cost of air pollution in Lagos would have increased medical
costs such as medicines and hospital visits and on productivity losses.