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From Motorcycle to Tricycle: Neoliberal Political Economy, Informal Transportation, and Urban/Peri‐Urban Mobility in Nigerian Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Nsemba Edward Lenshie
  • Christian Chukwuebuka Ezeibe
  • Mark Ma’aku Joshua
  • Chikodiri Nwangwu

Abstract

In most African states informal motorcycle transportation is a popular means of urban and semi‐urban mobility. While studies have examined the transportation–economic development nexus, the political economy of the ban of motorcycles and shift from informal commercial motorcycle to tricycle operation for urban/peri‐urban mobility in Nigeria has been grossly neglected in academic discourses. Using a qualitative approach and neoliberal political economy framework, this study investigates how the ban of commercial motorcycles and their replacement with commercial tricycles have impacted urban/peri‐urban mobility in Nigerian cities. Contrary to the expectation that replacing motorcycles with tricycles would increase the vulnerability of the majority of informal transport operators and constrain transportation of urban/peri‐urban poor without personal/private means of mobility, the replacement has facilitated the development of road infrastructure, reduced road crashes, minimized motorcycle induced crimes, and improved the income of informal transport operators in Nigerian cities. The study concludes that sustainable use of commercial tricycles for urban and peri‐urban transportation is relevant for achieving organized and safe informal commercial transportation in Nigeria and other less‐developed countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Nsemba Edward Lenshie & Christian Chukwuebuka Ezeibe & Mark Ma’aku Joshua & Chikodiri Nwangwu, 2022. "From Motorcycle to Tricycle: Neoliberal Political Economy, Informal Transportation, and Urban/Peri‐Urban Mobility in Nigerian Cities," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 61(2), pages 195-227, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:transj:v:61:y:2022:i:2:p:195-227
    DOI: 10.5325/transportationj.61.2.0195
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christopher Eraye Michael & Usman Adekunle Ojedoku & Eke Chijioke Chinwokwu, 2013. "Abolition of Commercial Motorbikes and Its Implication on Transportation and Criminality in Calabar Metropolis," International Journal of Social Science Studies, Redfame publishing, vol. 1(1), pages 206-214, April.
    2. Harvey, David, 2007. "A Brief History of Neoliberalism," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199283279.
    3. Melo, Patricia C. & Graham, Daniel J. & Brage-Ardao, Ruben, 2013. "The productivity of transport infrastructure investment: A meta-analysis of empirical evidence," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(5), pages 695-706.
    4. Oluwaseun Bamidele, 2016. "The Political Economy of Tricycle Transportation Business in Osogbo Metropolis: Lessons for a Developing Economy," Emerging Economy Studies, International Management Institute, vol. 2(2), pages 156-169, November.
    5. Ajay Kumar, 2011. "Understanding the Emerging Role of Motorcycles in African Cities : A Political Economy Perspective [Comprendre l’importance croissante de la motocyclette dans les villes africaines : Une perspective d’économie politique]," World Bank Publications - Reports 17804, The World Bank Group.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nsemba Edward Lenshie & Buhari Shehu Miapyen & Otu Akanu Otu & Aminu Idris & Michael I Ugwueze, 2023. "Policing the spread of COVID-19 and the struggle for sustainable livelihood among informal workers in Nigeria," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 38(7), pages 631-649, November.

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