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Road Conditions and Transportation Costs: A Correlational Study in the North-Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

Somuyiwa A. O. Aworemi J. R. Saka L. A.

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Transportation Engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722763

Abstract

Road conditions constitute a critical determinant of transportation efficiency, influencing travel time, vehicle operating costs, and overall economic performance. However, in many regions of Nigeria, particularly the North-Central Geo-Political Zone, deteriorating road infrastructure and increased road roughness continue to escalate transportation costs for agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and commuter travel. This study investigated the correlation between road conditions and transportation costs in the North-Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 322 respondents comprising farmers, transport operators, traders, and commuters. Using purposive, snowballing and incidental sampling techniques, the responses from all 322 participants were analyzed through Pearson correlation analysis. Findings from the correlation results revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between road roughness and market-related transportation cost factors (r = 0.672; p = 0.000). The study concluded that poor road conditions significantly increase transportation expenses, reduce market accessibility, and negatively affect economic activities across the region. It was therefore recommended that systematic road rehabilitation, increased government investment in transport infrastructure, and routine maintenance interventions be prioritized to reduce transportation costs and enhance the movement of goods and people.

Keywords

road conditions, road roughness, transportation costs, market factors, agricultural produce, manufactured goods, commuter travel, north-central nigeria

References

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[3] Adewunmi, F., & Olawale, S. (2021). Road infrastructure and logistics performance in developing economies: Evidence from Nigeria. African Transport Journal.

[4] African Development Bank. (2023). Infrastructure investment and transport costs in Africa. African Development Bank Publications.

[5] Ajayi, L., & Fadare, S. (2022). The economic impact of poor road conditions on freight and passenger transport in Nigeria. Journal of Transport Economics, 14(2), 45–60.

[6] Akinyele, R., & Bamidele, T. (2021). Road infrastructure, accessibility, and socio-economic development in Nigeria. International Journal of Urban Planning, 7(1), 88–101.

[7] Banister, D. (2018). Transport and sustainability: Challenges for policy and practice. Routledge.

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[11] Olatunji, A., & Ibrahim, M. (2020). Road conditions and the cost of logistics in Nigeria. African Journal of Transport Research, 12(1), 34–49.

[12] Ogunsanya, A., & Enebong, E. (2019). Road maintenance and transport efficiency in developing countries. University Press.

[13] Okeke, C., & Ibrahim, T. (2020). Transportation costs and infrastructure challenges in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Economic and Development Studies, 15(3), 55–72.

[14] Rodrigue, J.-P. (2020). The geography of transport systems (5th ed.). Routledge. Crossref

[15] World Bank. (2022). Nigeria transport sector review: Infrastructure, investment, and policy implications. World Bank Publications.

[16] Yakubu, A., & Suleiman, R. (2025). Road rehabilitation and economic mobility in Nigeria: Evidence from urban and rural corridors. Journal of Transport and Development, 16(1), 25–41.

How to cite this paper

Somuyiwa A. O., Aworemi J. R., Saka L. A. "Road Conditions and Transportation Costs: A Correlational Study in the North-Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 10 Issue 2 2026 Page 3566-3570 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722763
Somuyiwa A. O., Aworemi J. R., Saka L. A. "Road Conditions and Transportation Costs: A Correlational Study in the North-Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 2, Aug. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722763
Somuyiwa A. O., Aworemi J. R., Saka L. A. (2026). Road Conditions and Transportation Costs: A Correlational Study in the North-Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 10(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722763
Somuyiwa A. O., Aworemi J. R., Saka L. A. "Road Conditions and Transportation Costs: A Correlational Study in the North-Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 2, Aug. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722763
@article{1722763,
      author = {Somuyiwa A. O., Aworemi J. R., Saka L. A.},
      title = {Road Conditions and Transportation Costs: A Correlational Study in the North-Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {2},
      pages = {3566-3570},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722763.pdf},
      abstract = {Road conditions constitute a critical determinant of transportation efficiency, influencing travel time, vehicle operating costs, and overall economic performance. However, in many regions of Nigeria, particularly the North-Central Geo-Political Zone, deteriorating road infrastructure and increased road roughness continue to escalate transportation costs for agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and commuter travel. This study investigated the correlation between road conditions and transportation costs in the North-Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 322 respondents comprising farmers, transport operators, traders, and commuters. Using purposive, snowballing and incidental sampling techniques, the responses from all 322 participants were analyzed through Pearson correlation analysis. Findings from the correlation results revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between road roughness and market-related transportation cost factors (r = 0.672; p = 0.000). The study concluded that poor road conditions significantly increase transportation expenses, reduce market accessibility, and negatively affect economic activities across the region. It was therefore recommended that systematic road rehabilitation, increased government investment in transport infrastructure, and routine maintenance interventions be prioritized to reduce transportation costs and enhance the movement of goods and people.},
      keywords = {road conditions, road roughness, transportation costs, market factors, agricultural produce, manufactured goods, commuter travel, north-central nigeria},
      month = {August},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722763}
  }