Connect with us

Auto

The Economic Consequences of Informality in the Transport Sector

Published

on

Timi Olubiyi Small Business Improve Profitability

By Timi Olubiyi, PhD

The new year is here, it is my prayer that 2022 will be a profitable year for all individuals, businesses, and households. Our new year resolutions at every level must include enhancing productivity and improving performance.

Without a doubt, transportation is central to this and can be an effective indicator of performance in any economy, business, and quality of life. Simple things like getting to work, school, meetings, appointments, trade facilitation, transacting, moving cargoes, travels, and even delivery of social services such as rescues during emergencies can become extremely difficult with poor transportation.

In fact, business decision-making and access to everything for economic progress hinge strongly on effective transportation I must say.

Certainly, every nation regardless of its population size, level of development, and industrial capacity can benefit from an efficient transportation network be it road, waterways, rail, or air transport. But on the contrary transport poverty exist where inefficiency in all transportation modes is prevalent within an economy. Such is the case in many African countries and cities, including, Benin, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Lusaka, Zambia, and a host of others.

In many of the developed countries, transportation plays a significant role in the ease of doing business and the government plays an integral role in the implementation and administration. A recent visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) strongly indicated that, where there is efficient transportation and fewer traffic congestions, the economy and businesses are positively impacted.

From my observation in the two countries, public transportation which includes buses, taxis, water ferries, trains, trams, and the metros are regulated adequately by the government and it is not completely private-sector driven, making it so efficient and reliable. Apparently as noted, where private companies are involved in the operations, it is usually on an agreed model such as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Ironically, across many African cities particularly in my country Nigeria, the unreliability of the transport system has continued to limit access to services, business, trade facilitation, the attraction of foreign direct investments, and also in the revenue drive of the government.

The pilot region of observation is Lagos State the economic centre of Nigeria, where transport operation is largely run informally by private individuals. This makes the services undesirable because of the inefficiencies that exist due to under-regulations.

For instance, car reliance keeps compounding in the State because of poor demand responsiveness of public transports, commuters then tend to avoid the long queues and waiting hours at bus stops, and the associated risk of using public minibuses called Danfo. But the result is usually wastage of productive hours by many commuters in traffic congestions.

Sometimes, bike taxis which are usually referred to as Okada are considered for mobility. Though this trend depicts transport poverty, it is largely heightened by the informality of the public transport sector, widespread unemployment, lack of worthiness of the available transportations, lack of adequate maintenance system, giving rise to the high traffic congestion on the roads and expensive transport fares.

Basically, the over-reliance on one mode- road transport and over-exposure to informality are the issues that are mainly slowing down growths in the sector. As widely noted, private participation, with little or no government entry barrier promotes informality. Such as the operations of the non-conventional ferry on the waterways, motorized tricycles, and the Okadas and Danfos within the hinterlands. Sadly, these are the only affordable services to the poor despite the widespread insecurity and risks.

In the UK particularly in London, a mobile application (app) offers most of the information about the public transport system, and regulations in the city including fares, routes, and time of arrivals and departures. That means if you must operate government has to know, this procedure reduces informality. In both UK and UAE, the logistics and business supply chains are effective because they rely on the transportation infrastructures and strict regulations available and that reduces the cost of business operations.

For most public transportation closed-circuit television (CCTV) is installed for safety and security businesses. Transport cards are also used on most of these public transports for ease of payment, this offers a hassle-free environment for the populace, visitors, and tourists. Strict regulations also avail the government the opportunity to monitor many of these services, ensure accountability on the part of the operators, and for government to monitor service trends.

For instance, in UAE just in a year, there were around 600 million rides on public transport (in a city of 3 million population). This is an indication of the rate of conversion to the public system by visitors and residents in a region that used to be primarily private vehicle driven.

This is an indication that individuals move with ease and travel on public transportation because they are timely, affordable, and adequately available. With such a system in place, businesses can make projections and enjoy a reliable supply chain, with no uncontrollable logistic issues. With this experience, I have a strong conviction that there is a direct relationship, between the development of the transport system and the ease of doing business in any country.

In fact, without a doubt, it is easy to conclude that transportation can be a useful criterion for measuring development in a country. Because if transportation is made efficient it must impact positively on the economic development of a country and also improve the performance of the businesses in that country. It is no brainer or magic such a system can happen in Nigeria, with improved regulation, reduction of informality with sufficient investments in the sector.

Even though in Nigeria it has been a situation of hectic traffic congestion even at the ports, poorly maintained roads, overstressed railways, underutilization of the waterways, long hours of waiting to have access, inadequate infrastructure, there should be a concerted effort to raise the percentage of public transportation, expand the modes, and offer stricter regulatory regime.

For safety and security reasons, the ease of entry into the sector by informal transport operators needs to be reviewed because it appears that is majorly the issue. Government entry barriers are obstacles that can make it difficult for an individual or business to operate in the sector, such as what is available in the aviation industry.

It is important to improve policies and regulations in transport services, expand transportation networks to achieve large-scale economic growth, and modernization. Though it can be argued, effective transportation can alleviate the level of poverty in the country. Because the current chaotic congestions on the roads and in the ports are essentially aiding market failures and hindering the ease of doing business in the country which are enablers of business closures and impoverishment.

Hence, when transportation is effective and efficient, businesses will be able to make adequate projections, improve production, produce faster, reach consumers faster, attend business meetings promptly and all these stimulate the economy, create jobs, and can reduce poverty.

Truthfully, the transportation sector can offer the needed diversification of the revenue generation drive of the government. I am aware that the current public debt of the country is around N38 trillion, according to figures released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) and this is mainly due to revenue challenges. In my opinion, an effectively regulated and efficient transportation system can be revenue-yielding for the government.

In conclusion, it is also important to note that an improved transportation mode- air, rail, water networks and the expansion of road networks can increase economic productivity, cut the cost of production, and enhance the ease of doing business in the country. For thinkers, the issues mentioned above can adequately present mind-blowing opportunities, particularly for investors and businesses. To this end, businesses and individuals can have better mobility, access and livelihood. Good luck!

How may you obtain advice or further information on the article?

Dr Timi Olubiyi, an Entrepreneurship & Business Management expert with a PhD in Business Administration from Babcock University Nigeria, is a prolific investment coach, seasoned scholar, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), and Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) registered capital market operator. He can be reached on the Twitter handle @drtimiolubiyi and via email: drtimiolubiyi@gmail.com, for any questions, reactions, and comments.

Auto

LASTMA to Arrest Commercial Bus Drivers for Illegal Parking, Others

Published

on

lastma korope commercial bus drivers

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Commercial bus operators in Lagos State have been warned against route violations and illegal road parking across the metropolis or risk being apprehended to face the full wrath of the law.

This warning was given by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, who said the government would no longer tolerate the excesses of the commercial bus drivers, especially those operating mini buses, colloquially known as Korope.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Adebayo Taofiq, the Governor’s aide emphasized the paramount necessity of unwavering adherence to traffic regulations, with particular regard to unauthorized route deviations.

According to him, the new directive is in alignment with the government’s overarching initiative to instil orderliness on Lagos roadways and ensure the uninterrupted flow of vehicular movement across the metropolis.

He further articulated that LASTMA operatives have been duly mandated to escalate enforcement strategies aimed at curbing reckless driving and unlawful practices that hinder urban mobility and disrupt the city’s traffic ecosystem.

Additionally, Mr Giwa issued a categorical directive against the indiscriminate occupation of public roadways for unauthorized parking and loading activities, which significantly aggravate traffic congestion and pose substantial risks to other road users.

He emphasized that, moving forward, all commercial operators must restrict their operations to designated bus stops and terminals to avert unwarranted impediments to vehicular circulation.

“Illegal parking and flagrant route violations have metamorphosed into a grave menace in Lagos, particularly due to the arbitrary conduct of mini bus operators. Such transgressions, which impede traffic fluidity and endanger public safety, will no longer be condoned.

“LASTMA has been expressly instructed to enforce absolute compliance with extant traffic laws and to apprehend defaulters accordingly,” Mr Giwa asserted.

“Furthermore, strict adherence to designated routes is imperative for security purposes, as it acts as a deterrent against unscrupulous elements who exploit commercial vehicles, particularly Korope, for illicit activities,” he added.

In light of these directives, LASTMA enjoins all road users, especially commercial transport operators, to cooperate fully with traffic enforcement authorities by adhering strictly to stipulated regulations and fostering a culture of responsible driving.

Continue Reading

Auto

inDrive Rewards Drivers for Dedication at Ramadan

Published

on

inDrive drivers ramadan

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A leading global ride-hailing platform operating in 48 countries worldwide, including Nigeria, inDrive, recently rewarded some of its drivers for being active in the month of Ramadan.

The company, through a recently concluded weeklong campaign tagged inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Initiative in Abuja, showered gift items on its drivers.

inDrive said the campaign fostered a deeper connection with its driver community, reaffirming its mission to empower and support those at the heart of its operations.

It underscored the brand’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of recognition, appreciation, and financial support, ensuring drivers remain at the forefront of its mission to provide fair and people-first mobility solutions.

The platform, it was learned, recognized and rewarded drivers who went the extra mile to serve riders during the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for passengers.

The drivers were given thoughtfully curated hampers and other items, symbolizing inDrive’s deep appreciation for their commitment and exceptional service.

They were chosen after remaining online and consistently completing rides during the period for a special contest recognizing their dedication.

Speaking on the campaign, the Country Representative of inDrive in Nigeria, Mr Timothy Oladimeji, said, “At inDrive, we recognize the dedication and resilience of our drivers, especially during significant periods like Ramadan.”

“This initiative is our way of expressing gratitude and reinforcing our commitment to their well-being and success. We believe that when drivers feel valued and supported, they are better positioned to provide excellent service to riders,” he added.

Continue Reading

Auto

Tanker Explosion: Lagos Promises Stronger Safety Measures

Published

on

tanker explosion new garage ibadan

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Lagos ​State government has promised to put in place stronger safety measures after a gas tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge on Tuesday night.

The incident reportedly claimed two lives and destroyed some properties in the area, including vehicles and buildings.

Reacting to the explosion, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, expressed the regret of the state government over the widespread damage and disruption caused by the tragedy.

“Our thoughts are with those affected, and we commend the swift response of emergency services working tirelessly to manage the aftermath,” he said.

The Commissioner noted that the incident reinforces the urgent need for stricter safety protocols for heavy-duty vehicles.

“The Ministry of Transportation is also intensifying enforcement on the movement of hazardous materials, strengthening regulatory compliance, and implementing enhanced safety measures to prevent future occurrences,” he stated.

Mr Osiyemi called on “all transport operators to uphold the highest safety standards and cooperate with government efforts to safeguard lives and property,” saying, “Lagos remains committed to a safer, more resilient transport system for all.”

Continue Reading

Trending