Physically Challenged: Mobility Issues in Nigeria Public Transportation System

Abstract

Access to transportation is essential for individuals to engage with their community, for obtaining employment, goods and services, healthcare, education, and social interaction. The Physically Challenged People (PCP) are integral part of the society and they are expected to be considered in the overall planning and development of transportation system. This is usually not the case in many developing countries particularly Nigeria. Transportation framework is basic to societal lives. Individuals utilize different frameworks of transportation regularly to make a trip to and from work, school, go to conferences, as well as social and health related destinations. The paper highlighted the Nigerian perspective to the Physically Challenged, how they engage in the use of public transportation and the challenges experienced in making use of the public transportation
in Nigeria. An explanatory research method was adopted for the study, where secondary data were sourced to establish the difficulties experienced by the physically challenged people in public transport commuting. The paper revealed that the difficulties experienced by the physically challenged people differ significantly based on the nature of their disabilities. The paper concluded that access for all can only be achieved through improved transport system across the country. It was recommended that within various planning designs, it is important that the needs of individuals with disabilities be inclusive, to enhance the quality of life for all, and thereby support community integration. Further research can be inclusion of physically challenged to planning in developing countries.