Author(s) :

Pius Olaniyi Oki, Nachana’a Alahira David.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This paper explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on road transportation in Kaduna Metropolis between 2019 and 2023, with a focus on its economic effects on transport operators. The pandemic significantly disrupted the transportation sector, leading to increased costs amid widespread job losses, as 30-35% of transportation workers lost their livelihoods. This economic dislocation contributed to heightened security concerns in the metropolis, as many who were once employed in the sector faced severe deprivation and poverty. Using both primary and secondary data sources, including questionnaires distributed across three local governments within Kaduna metropolis areas and in-depth interviews with stakeholders, this paper provides an analysis of the pandemic's impact. The findings are contextualised within System Theory, which helps to illuminate how the pandemic disrupted the transportation system's functioning. The paper calls for the Kaduna State government to implement measures to alleviate transportation challenges during future pandemics and emergencies. These measures include investing in public transportation infrastructure and providing financial assistance to affected workers. Additionally, the paper advocates for a partnership between the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Kaduna State government to establish safety protocols that will ensure the sector's resilience in times of crisis. Finally, the adoption of modern technology is emphasised as a crucial strategy for reducing the need for physical contact, thereby safeguarding public health during pandemics.

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