Road Transportation: A Corollary of Economic Development along the New Oyo-Ibadan Express Way, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Road transportation is a vital driver of socio-economic development through improved accessibility, mobility and commercial activities. This study examined road transportation as a corollary of economic development along the New Oyo–Ibadan Expressway with the aim of assessing its influence on transportation efficiency and economic activities. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised market men and women, trailer drivers, petrol station attendants, vulcanisers, artisans and other business operators along the expressway. A total of 120 respondents were selected through simple random sampling from Akinyele, Fiditi and Ilora. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaire, field observation and in-depth interviews (IDI), while secondary data were sourced from relevant literature and official publications. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 29. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, mean scores, standard deviations, ranking and cross-tabulation, were used to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Chi-square (χ²) tests were employed to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that the New Oyo–Ibadan Expressway has improved accessibility, reduced travel time and enhanced the movement of people, goods and services. The expressway also stimulated the growth of transport-related businesses, particularly filling stations, vulcanising workshops, trailer parks, shopping complexes and block industries. The study concluded that the expressway has significantly promoted transportation efficiency economic development. It recommended continuous road maintenance, improved supporting infrastructure, effective traffic management, investment promotion and proper land-use planning to sustain economic growth along the expressway corridor.