Industrialising Oyo State: Path to Sustainable Progress – Series 17 By Amofin Beulah Adeoye

Road Transportation: The Arteries of Industrial Growth

When we think of industrialisation, it’s easy to focus on power, factories, or technological innovations. Yet, one of the most fundamental aspects of any industrialised society is the transportation network – specifically, road transportation. Roads are the physical connections that link cities, towns, and industries, enabling the movement of goods, services, and people across the state. Without efficient and reliable roads, the ambition to transform Oyo State into an industrial powerhouse would face insurmountable hurdles.

This series focuses on the vital role of road transportation in Oyo State’s journey to industrialisation. We will explore how modernising the state’s road infrastructure will unlock new economic opportunities, boost the flow of goods and services, and improve connectivity across the state. By examining the success stories of nations like Singapore and Rwanda, we will uncover how well-planned road networks can act as the backbone of industrial growth.

The Crucial Role of Roads in Industrialisation

Imagine a factory that manufactures products in Ogbomoso, but cannot easily transport them to Ajia in Ibadan or Ipapo in Oke-Ogun because of bad roads. Or picture agricultural products from Igbo Ora in Ibarapa that spoil in transit because of poorly maintained roads, cutting into profits and increasing costs. The economic consequences of inadequate transportation infrastructure are immense.

In any thriving industrial economy, road networks are key. Roads facilitate:

1. Efficient Movement of Goods: Good roads ensure that goods produced in one area can be transported to markets, distribution centres, and ports without delay or damage. A robust transportation system helps industries meet demand on time and keeps production lines running smoothly.

2. Mobility for the Workforce: For workers to be productive, they must be able to commute to their places of work efficiently. In an industrialising economy like Oyo’s, an efficient transport system provides workers with access to employment opportunities in urban and industrial zones.

3. Attracting Investment: Investors are more likely to invest in regions with efficient transportation infrastructure. If Oyo State is to become an industrial hub in West Africa, improving road transportation is a prerequisite for attracting both local and international investment.

4. Boosting Agriculture and Trade: Oyo State is predominantly an agricultural state, with produce from regions like Oke-Ogun contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Well-maintained roads are critical for moving agricultural products from rural areas to urban markets, preventing spoilage, and increasing trade efficiency.

Learning from Global and African Neighbours

Both Singapore and Rwanda provide valuable lessons on the impact of well-developed road infrastructure on industrial growth.

In the case of Singapore, the city-state’s road infrastructure was designed with precision to ensure that its ports, industrial zones, and residential areas were all well-connected. As a global hub for trade and industry, Singapore understood that its success was partly due to its highly integrated transportation system, which included not just roads, but also world-class ports and airports. The Road and Rail Master Plan of Singapore focused on improving connectivity between different sectors and regions, ensuring smooth movement for both people and goods. In the same way, Oyo State can harness its road infrastructure to connect its rural and urban areas, and link its diverse industries for seamless growth.

Rwanda, though much smaller, has been able to utilise its limited resources effectively by focusing on developing critical infrastructure that fosters trade, agriculture, and industry. One of Rwanda’s main objectives has been to build roads that connect Kigali to rural areas, facilitating access for both locals and foreign investors. This strategy of improving accessibility to the capital city and key industrial zones has played a major role in Rwanda’s industrialisation and economic growth. Oyo State can adopt a similar approach by focusing on connecting its key localities like Ogbomoso, Ibadan, Iseyin, and Oke-Ogun through well-designed road networks.

Oyo State’s Road Transportation Challenges and Opportunities

Oyo State, like many states in Nigeria, faces several road transportation challenges. Roads are often poorly maintained, with potholes, traffic congestion, and inadequate road signage, making travel both difficult and dangerous. However, these challenges also present opportunities for transformation:

1. Expanding and Upgrading Roads: One of the most pressing needs is the expansion and upgrade of existing roads to accommodate increasing traffic as Oyo State industrialises. Major highways like the Ibadan-Ilorin road, Ibadan-Oyo road, and Ogbomoso-Ibadan expressway must be expanded to reduce traffic bottlenecks and improve connectivity across the state. 

2. Rural Connectivity: Many rural areas in Oyo State, such as the interior parts of Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun, Ofiki, Igboho, Igbope etc, are disconnected from the economic pulse of the state due to poor road infrastructure – some have major nerve roads that have never been tarred such as the one from Ago-Are to Ofiki (in spite of the huge cashew cash crop supply there). Upgrading local roads that link farms to markets and rural areas to urban centres will allow agricultural goods to flow more efficiently, reducing wastage and improving the state’s agricultural output.

3. Public Transport System: Oyo State could also benefit from developing a modern public transport system that connects various towns and cities. Buses or light rail could be deployed to ease traffic congestion in Ibadan and other urban areas while providing affordable transportation options for the growing population.

4. Road Safety and Maintenance: Oyo State will still benefit from a comprehensive plan for road safety and regular maintenance to avoid the rapid deterioration of its infrastructure. Training road safety officers, installing traffic management systems, and ensuring regular maintenance checks can help prevent accidents and ensure smooth transportation across the state.

Road Transportation and Oyo’s Industrial Future

For Oyo State to realise its industrial potential, it must embrace the critical role that transportation infrastructure will play in its economic development. By improving road networks, the state will unlock opportunities for industries to grow and create jobs, increase agricultural productivity, and promote trade. Oyo State can also tap into new sectors, such as logistics, tourism, and construction, that rely heavily on reliable transportation systems.

Additionally, an improved transportation system will reduce the overall cost of doing business in Oyo, making it a more attractive place for both local and international investors. 

The Path Forward: Key Steps for Oyo State

To make the most of its road transportation system, Oyo State must take the following key steps:

1. Develop a Road Master Plan: Oyo should design a long-term road infrastructure master plan that identifies key roads for expansion, upgrading, and maintenance. This plan should focus on connecting industrial hubs, urban areas, and rural communities to ensure seamless transportation.

2. Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPP) should be encouraged to fund and execute major road projects. With the right incentives, private companies can help build and maintain roads that meet the needs of the growing industrial sector.

3. Promote Sustainable Transport Solutions: As the state modernises, it should also consider integrating sustainable transport solutions, such as electric buses and light rail systems, into its road transportation strategy.

4. Focus on Road Safety: Ensuring road safety is crucial to reducing accidents and enhancing the overall efficiency of the road network. This includes installing better signage, improving traffic laws enforcement, and regular road checks.

Call to Action: What Citizens Can Do Today

Support infrastructure projects: Advocate for road development and maintenance in your community. Engage with local government officials and hold them accountable for delivering better transportation solutions.

Use public transport: Encourage all cadres of society on the use of public transport in Oyo State, firstly to reduce traffic congestion and promote more efficient transportation in urban areas. Provide feedback from these experiences and execute on improvement initiatives.

Promote road safety: Be a responsible driver or pedestrian. Follow traffic rules, report bad road conditions, and participate in local road safety campaigns.

In the end, Oyo State’s road transportation system is not just about moving people from one place to another—it is about creating connections that facilitate industrial growth, trade, and economic prosperity. By prioritising this infrastructure, Oyo State can take significant strides toward becoming an industrial hub in West Africa.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye