Assessment of Road Transport Infrastructure and Its Impact on Development in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

The growth and advancement of a society is determined and measured to a significant extent by the socioeconomic growth of the city. This is highly depending on the transportation infrastructure of the area in question. Transportation fosters growth in every place and when transportation is inhibited, development is likewise delayed. In Nigeria, and Ibadan North local government, Ibadan of Oyo state in particular, the sole accessible means of transportation is road transport. It offers the links between physically distant amenities, enabling social engagement, and access to places of primary employments and work. Road infrastructure is a vital factor of economic growth in the research geographical area. The needs for road transport infrastructure in Nigeria over the years have expanded significantly, while the supply of road transport services have fallen drastically. There is a miss-merge between the demand and supply of road infrastructure in the studied area. The research consequently, analyzed the availability and adequacy of road transport infrastructure in Ibadan North local government, Ibadan of Oyo state, Nigeria. Through personal observation and direct measurement of the existing road infrastructure, the study analyzed 31.65 kilometers of roads in Ibadan North. The results showed that approximately 70% of the roads were riddled with potholes, making travel difficult and unsafe. Furthermore, about 80% of the roads lacked sidewalks, posing serious risks to pedestrians. Nearly 90% of the roads were found to have no road signs, further exacerbating safety concerns. These findings underscore the need for immediate attention to the condition of roads in the area, as poor infrastructure hinders both economic activities and the safety of the public. This research emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention and public participation in the development and maintenance of road transport infrastructure in Ibadan North. Investing in road repairs, the installation of sidewalks, and the provision of road signs would significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of transportation in the region. This would not only improve mobility but also support the overall economic growth of the area, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services and contributing to the development of the local economy.