ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to evaluate the use of inland transportation and its effect on logistics system in Nigeria using Lagos State Waterways Authority. To achieve this objective, four research questions and three research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected with the help of a well-structured questionnaire of two sections administered to staff and management of Lagos State Waterways Authority. The collected data were analyzed with tables and simple percentages to analyze the research questions while Chi-square statistical tool was used to test research hypotheses. The study reveals that there is a significant relationship between the effect of transportation and logistics systems in Nigeria. The study concluded with some recommendations that government should encourage the establishment of inland waterways companies to participate in a specialized shipping venture and to combine their operations with coastal shipping within West Africa and governments at various levels should involve in the formulation and implementation of policies and measures that will effectively promote enhanced accessibility through increased development of road networks.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1Â Background to the Study
Transportation encompasses the movement of people, goods and services from one point of origin to destination (Filani, 1993). Transportation is indispensable to modern economic development especially in a developing country like Nigeria. It plays a vital role in shaping the economy of any nation (or region) because modern industries and commercial activities rely on proper, well developed and efficient transport system (Anyanwu, Oaikhena, Oyefusi and Dimowo, 1997). In support of this, Wane (2001), pointed out that transportation is a crucial vector for urban insertion since it gives access to economic activity; facilitate family life, and helps in spinning social networks.
Transport is a central dimension of the national and global production systems that are reshaping the world, making it a topic of universal interest and importance. People move from one place to the other, regularly or occasionally. Goods collected, extracted and manufactured, must be distributed from place to place prior to consumption. People who need services, which are generally provided at a limited number of places, must travel in order to access such services. Transport therefore fulfils a very important function in a society and is one of the most pervasive factors in any economy (Munby in Hoyle and Knowles, 2001).
Transport plays a crucial role in urban growth by linking and providing access for people to essential services such as education, markets, employment, recreation, health care and other key services that induce growth of towns, cities and metropolis. Enhanced mobility for the poor and vulnerable groupsespecially in cities of the developing world,
