Mobility Challenges of Physically- Challenged People (PCP) in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

The Physically Challenged People (PCP) are integral part of the society and they are expected to be considered in the overall planning and development of transportation system. This is usually not the case in many developing countries particularly Nigeria. This study therefore examines the mobility challenges of the disabled in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. A structured questionnaire was administered to 203 respondents (crippled and blind) in 4 major motor parks/terminals and designated bus stops along major traffic corridors where people with disabilities are concentrated. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that 26.1% of respondents considered discrimination from general public as a challenge hindering their mobility, 14.8% considered waiting time at motor parks/terminals and bus stops as another challenge hindering their mobility in the city. Meanwhile, 37.4% of PCP considered the pedestrian walkways in the city to be in good conditions, 31.5% considered it to be in fair conditions while 1.5% considered it to be in an excellent state. On the types of disabilities, 58.6% of the respondents were crippled and 41.4% have visual impairment. The analysis of the causes of disability reveals that 50.7% of PCP have disability from birth, 31.5% of them are due to auto-accidents and 12.3% disabilities were due to factory accidents. In terms of access to public transport 66.5% of PCP do not have access to public transport while 33.5% have access. Based on these findings, the study recommends that PCP mobility needs should be integrated in the overall planning, design and development of transportation system of Minna and Nigerian cities in general so as to ameliorate mobility challenges experienced by people with disabilities in the country.