An Analysis On The Traffic Problems In Lagos During Its Urban Development

Lagos is the former capital and largest port of Nigeria. British carried out a large number of urban construction in Lagos in the colonial period, which laid the initial foundation and urban scale for the development of modern Lagos. After independence, driven by the national oil economy, the urban economy of Lagos realized rapid development and an influx of immigrants into Lagos, which accelerated rapid urbanization. At the same time, urban problems are also increasingly exposed, in which the urban road traffic problems are prominent.This thesis describes the urban development of Lagos and the evolution of road traffic, researches in-depth the urban road traffic problems and the solutions of government in order to achieve the urban healthy development. Based on these, it analyzes the complex relationship between urban development and road traffic of Lagos. This thesis contains three parts. They are preface, text and conclusion.In the preface, it gives an outline of the geographical location, climatic conditions, development history of Lagos, and the status quo of urban Lagos in the Lagos State, introduced the significance and present research situation both at home and abroad on the problems of Lagos road traffic In the process of urbanization. The text is divided into three parts.The first chapter summarizes the urban development and infrastructure construction of Lagos during British colonial rule period. In this period, Britain had a preliminary city planning and zoning and built urban infrastructure such as railway, port, road, water and electricity supply, housing and so on, which promoted the increase of urban population and urban development. However, under British rule, Lagos took shape the single model of economy development characterized by foreign trade, which had an important affect on future development.The second chapter main discusses the process of urbanization in Lagos after independence. Since independence, national economy has definitely increased driven by oil exploration and the investment of urban construction was increased. The urban infrastructure continues to improve and the second and the third industries have developed quickly, such as manufacturing, business and finance. The urban population increase significantly and urban areas expanded. In addition, Lagos City, also charged with Federal Capital, Lagos State Government seat, marine center and air freight center, education center, cultural center and other functions, which makes it extremely busy, which increases pressure of urban road traffic.The third chapter discusses and analyzes the development and problems of road traffic in Lagos. This chapter mainly introduces the road construction after independence and main transport mode, analyzes the severe problems of road traffic caused by backward public transport, for example, road congestion, environmental pollution, inadequate parking and traffic accidents, inspects the road traffic management institutions and their governance.The fourth chapter analyzes the government's solutions and great consultant significance. To alleviate the traffic problems, the government made positive attempts. The implementation of moving the capital reduced the city's political functions, and to some extent alleviates the road traffic pressure, but with the increase of urban population, the effect gradually disappeared; Traffic restriction policies reduced the quantities of vehicles on the road in a short period, but great travel inconvenience followed and it was proved a final failure; The implementation of public transport planning has been the the only effective measures to solve the road traffic problems of Lagos.The conclusion part has point out the fact that there is a very similar of urban development between the developing countries and the Lagos. It is the traffic problems that has been the main issue influenced the urban healthy development during the process of urban development and population growth. It is worth emphasizing that in order to solve road traffic problems and promote urban development, the attempt to realize the coordinated development between Bus Rapid Transit and Rail Transit system adopted by Lagos has great consultant significance for developing countries.