TRANSPORT AS CATALYST FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION: LESSONS FOR NIGERIA FROM GLOBAL CASE STUDIES

Transport systems play a critical role in shaping economic opportunities, social inclusion, and poverty outcomes. This study examined the relationship between transport and poverty alleviation in Nigeria, drawing on case studies from both urban and rural contexts, including the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP). Using a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative case study analysis with quantitative data synthesis to examine transport’s role in poverty alleviation, Systematic Literature Review, analytical Tools of SWOT analysis for benchmarking Nigeria’s transport against global best practice, was employed in analysing the data. The study finds that while urban transport initiatives have improved job access and reduced travel times, limited coverage, affordability issues, and spatial mismatches persist. Rural areas face deeper connectivity challenges, where the lack of motorable roads significantly restricts access to education, healthcare, and markets. The findings concluded that transport affordability, spatial equity, and integrated policy frameworks are essential for sustainable poverty reduction. Recommendations included expanding affordable urban transit, prioritising cost-effective rural road infrastructure, and aligning transport investment with poverty reduction strategies.