A Scientometric and Meta-analysis of Rail Infrastructure in Nigeria

  • Awodele, Imoleayo Abraham (Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Durban University of Technology) ;
  • Mewomo, Modupe Cecilia (Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Durban University of Technology)
  • Published : 2022.06.20

Abstract

Mobility is an essential human need. Human survival and societal interaction depend on the ability to move people and goods. Efficient mobility systems are essential facilitators of economic development. Cities could not exist and global trade could not occur without systems to transport people and goods cheaply and efficiently. Rail has been considered as one of the important components of the transportation infrastructure required to service and improve the performance and productivity of an economy. In Nigeria, the rail infrastructure built by the colonial master several decades ago has been left in a state of total deterioration. This long neglect was occasioned by the failure of the government to pay adequate attention to infrastructure development. There is a vital and urgent need for rail infrastructure development in Nigeria. This study presents a systematic review of the evolution of rail, the current nature of railway infrastructure delivery in Nigeria, and offers possible suggestions on how to achieve an effective and sustainable rail infrastructure delivery in Nigeria. A thorough literature search of academic databases was conducted on current research trends on the subject of railway infrastructure by systematically reviewing selected published articles from reputable research domains. The analysis of the selected articles revealed the following among others (1) the existing railway infrastructure is in a state of mess and not sustainable, and (2), Government's investment/commitment in rail infrastructure seems inadequate compared to what is obtainable in other developed countries. Rail infrastructure development cannot be left to the Federal government of Nigeria to solve on its own; collaboration and participation are required. Government as a matter of priority should devote considerable attention to the development of rail infrastructure to harness the economic potential and transformation that sustainable rail infrastructural projects will provide.

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