ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLICATION OF ROAD TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE SOCIO- ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY; ABUJA, NIGERIA

Traffic congestion is a tremendous inconvenience, a major problem facing most Nigerian cities, metropolis and towns. This study was aimed at examining the implication of traffic congestion on the socioeconomic activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The specific objectives were to investigate the causes of traffic congestion; and the effects traffic congestion has had on the study area. Two types of data were collected for the study: these were primary and secondary data. Primary data were derived from fieldwork, which involved direct interview technique and administration of questionnaire. The set of questionnaire administered were supplemented by field observation. Relevant qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed for the analysis of data. Some of the variables that were derived from the questionnaire were subjected to chi-square technique to measure the effects of traffic congestion on the FCT, Abuja. The results of the chi-square showed that traffic congestion seriously affected the economy of the study area. It was found that bad condition of roads was the major cause of traffic congestion. Roads were found to be dilapidated with some parts converted to refuse dumps sites. It was found that traffic congestion was interfering with the passage of emergency vehicles traveling to their destinations where they were urgently needed; and the wastage of time of motorists and passengers were the major effects of traffic congestion in the study area. Hence it was suggested that the available roads which have virtually dilapidated in the study area should be rehabilitated and consideration should be given t0 construction of new roads. Dumping of refuse on the roads should be banned.