Automobile dependency is one of the urban transportation problems of Nigeria. However, this problem has not been given much attention due to its implicit nature with the array of other challenges facing the country’s urban areas.
All over the streets of Nigeria, we are greeted by an array of private vehicles, often locked in traffic jam or moving depending on the highway level of service. However, this vibrancy is intricately intertwined with a growing dependence on private automobiles. While seemingly offering freedom and convenience, this pervasiveness casts a long shadow on the country’s economic, social, and environmental landscapes.
Automobile dependence signifies a state where urban or regional planning prioritizes car usage as the primary driver of transportation infrastructure and land-use decisions. This prioritization relegates alternative modes of travel to the periphery, ultimately diminishing or eliminating viable options beyond the private automobile. In stark contrast, a balanced transportation system, characterized by diverse travel patterns, embodies the antithesis of car dependence.
This is a major problem in Nigeria. Most of the streets are designed for vehicular traffic only. In some cases, sidewalks are not provided for the safe movement of pedestrians. According to Architect Francis Okeke, from the Department of Architecture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, “Cars are ubiquitous in most cities, as they are used for transportation to work, school, shop, recreation etc. They have monopolized the roads and moulded cityscape to suit their resolute demands, also seen as homes away from home and small sanctuaries for privacy, where chauffeurs relax with their thoughts alone“.
According to a 2020 study published in the European Journal of Sustainable Development, the urban landscapes of Nigeria, ranging from low-density, expansive cities like Uyo and Jos, are currently characterized by an overwhelming reliance on private automobiles and consequently plagued by pollution issues associated with car-centric infrastructure. This is also true for high-density, transit-oriented metropolises like Lagos and Abuja, grappling with the challenges of gridlock and air quality degradation. Therefore, there is a unifying concern within urban policy: the optimal management of the automobile.
This pervasive focus often manifests in a spatial prioritization, where streets are conceived primarily as domains for vehicular movement, relegating pedestrians and public spaces to secondary positions within the built environment. Consequently, the underlying implication emerges that cities are designed to serve the needs of automobiles, rather than prioritizing the well-being and accessibility for their human inhabitants.
Causes of Automobile Dependency
Factors that cause and contribute to automobile dependency can be direct, indirect or complex. Sprawling suburbs, congested roads, and polluted air are all testaments to the grip that automobile dependency has on modern society. But how did we get here, and what are the key factors that continue to fuel our dependence on cars?
1. Urban Sprawl and the Decline of Walkable Cities:
Recent city development patterns saw a dramatic shift towards car-centric development. Single-family homes and strip malls sprawled outwards. This urban sprawl made walking and cycling impractical, forcing residents to rely on cars for even basic errands.
2. Lack of Robust Public Transportation:
As cities grew outwards, public transportation systems often failed to keep pace. Infrequent schedules, limited coverage, and unreliable service discouraged ridership, further cementing car dependence.
3. Cultural and Social Factors:
Car ownership has become deeply ingrained in our culture, often seen as a symbol of freedom, status, and convenience. Owning a car is often tied to the idea of independence and self-sufficiency, while relying on public transportation can be stigmatized as undesirable.
4. Economic Forces and Policy Decisions:
Government policies like free parking on streets, and low taxes on cars/fuels have made car ownership more affordable, while neglecting investments in public transportation and walkable infrastructure. Additionally, the car industry itself wields significant political and economic influence, often lobbying against policies that could threaten their dominance. According to Architect Francis Okeke, “To a large extent, automobile dependence results from public policy and planning choices which support car travel and sprawl to the detriment of other modes of transport and more sustainable land use. For instance, most Nigerian cities have minimum parking standards in zoning regulation. These requirements contribute to car dependence by encouraging and increasing the convenience of driving“.
5. The Illusion of Convenience:
While cars offer door-to-door convenience, the reality is often different. Congestion, parking challenges, and the time spent commuting can quickly erode the time saved by driving.
Indicators of Automobile Dependency
The Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI, 2019) established a comprehensive framework for categorizing cities based on their level of automobile dependence. This framework leverages diverse variables, encompassing land-use patterns, transportation system characteristics, societal behavioural tendencies towards vehicular reliance, and vehicle ownership rates. Utilizing these criteria, VTPI classifies cities as exhibiting low, medium, or high degrees of automobile dependence, as further elaborated in the accompanying table below.
| Indicator | Description | Low | Medium | High |
| Popular Name | Car free | Multi-modal | Automobile Dependent | |
| Vehicle Ownership | Per capita motor vehicle ownership (usually measured per 1,000 population) | Less than 250 per 1,000 pop. | 250-450 | 450+ |
| Vehicle Travel | Per capita annual motor vehicle mileage | Less than 4,000 miles (6,500 km) | 4,000-8,000 miles (6,500-13,000 kms) | 8,000+ (13,000 km plus) |
| Vehicle Trips | Automobile trips as a portion of total personal trips | Less than 50% | 50-80% | 80%+ |
| Quality of Transportation Alternatives | Convenience, speed, comfort, affordability and prestige of walking, cycling and public transit relative to driving. | Alternative modes are of competitive quality. | Alternative modes are somewhat inferior. | Alternative modes are very inferior. |
| Relative Mobility Of Non-Drivers | Mobility of personal travel by non-drivers compared with drivers. | Non-drivers are not severely disadvantaged. | Non-drivers are moderately disadvantaged. | Non-drivers are severely disadvantaged. |
| Land use patterns | Land use density (residents and jobs per acre) and mix (proximity of different land use types). | Very compact and mixed. | Moderately compact and mixed | Dispersed and homogenous |
| Transport system | Type of transportation facilities and services available. | Mainly nonmotorized and public transit | Very mixed: nonmotorized, public transit and automobile. | Mainly automobile (roads and parking facilities). |
| Roadway design | Design features of public roads. | Highly pedestrian oriented | Mixed. | Designed to maximize auto traffic speeds and volumes. |
| Shopping Options | Where retail and other public services are located | Along public streets | Mainly along public streets near transit areas | In private malls, located along major highways |
| Market Distortions Favoring Automobile Use | Relative advantage provided to automobile transportation over other modes in planning, funding, tax policy, etc. | Moderate bias favouring automobile travel. | Significant bias favouring automobile travel. | Significant bias favoring automobile travel. |
| Automobile commute mode split | How people travel to work and school. | Less than 35% | 35-65% | More than 65% |
| Errand travel | How people normally travel to stores, professional appointments, recreation activities, etc. | Mostly walking, cycling and public transit. | Walking, cycling, public transit and automobile. | Mostly automobile. |
| Performance Indicators | How transport system performance is evaluated | Quality of walking, cycling and public transit | Multi-modal | Automobile-oriented |
Impact of Automobiles on the Life of City Dwellers in Nigeria
The automobile, heralded as a symbol of freedom and progress, has undeniably transformed our lives. Its ease of travel and increased personal mobility undoubtedly elevated standards of living and comfort. However, as cities sprawl and traffic snarls, a darker side of the automobile has emerged, demanding urgent attention. The once-celebrated convenience now stands as a major urban challenge, with far-reaching impacts on various aspects of city life.
The impacts of automobile dependency are far-reaching and affect various aspects of our lives:
- Environmental Degradation: Cars are a major source of air and noise pollution, spewing greenhouse gases and particulates that contribute to climate change, respiratory illnesses, and decreased quality of life.
- Public Health Issues: Car-centric lifestyles fuel physical inactivity, leading to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Urban Sprawl and Fragmentation: Reliance on cars promotes sprawling suburbs and disconnected cityscapes, diminishing walkability and hindering community cohesion.
- Congestion and Inefficiency: Gridlocked traffic wastes time, productivity, and fuel, making urban mobility cumbersome and inefficient.
- Social Segregation and Inequality: Car-dependency can exacerbate social inequalities, restricting access to opportunities and amenities for those without vehicles.
Breaking Free from the Grip of the Car
Fortunately, there are growing movements to challenge automobile dependency and create more sustainable and livable cities. Some key strategies include:
- Investing in Public Transportation: Expanding and improving public transportation systems with frequent schedules, wider coverage, and affordable fares can make them a more attractive alternative to cars.
- Promoting Walkable and Cyclable Cities: Investing in pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes can encourage walking and cycling, making cities more enjoyable and accessible.
- Land-Use Planning for Mixed-Use Development: Creating vibrant, mixed-use communities where people can live, work, and shop within walking distance can reduce reliance on cars.
- Policies that Encourage Sustainable Transportation: Implementing policies like congestion pricing, parking fees, and car-free zones can discourage car use and incentivize sustainable transportation options.
Conclusion
Transitioning away from automobile dependency is a complex challenge, but one that is essential for creating healthier, more equitable, and sustainable cities. By understanding the causes and consequences of our car-centric lifestyles, we can take steps to break free from the grip of the automobile and build cities that are truly designed for people.
