A HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ROAD TRANSPORTATION IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS, 1809 – 2008

Abstract

Abstract Transportation is an indispensable engine of social, political and economic growth of any human society. It facilitated the emergence, growth and expansion of Sokoto metropolis across different historical epochs. The leaders of Sokoto Jihad movements designed policies that facilitated transportation system in the metropolis and beyond. At the initial stage, the most widespread traditional form of transport in the metropolis had been human porterage and beast of burden such as donkeys, camels and horses. After the fall of Sokoto Caliphate to the British in March 1903, local transportation facilities were enhanced, side by side with the newly introduced wheel system meant to serve the colonial exigencies. This came with a corresponding demand for roads construction and expansion that influenced urban growth during the colonial times. It is argued in the thesis that since 1960 Sokoto metropolis has witnessed rapid transformations in the area of traditional and modern transportation systems. This research documents the different forms of transportation at different phases in the history of Sokoto metropolis from 1809 to 2008 when tricycle became one of the means of transportation. The expansion of the metropolis to engulf its suburbs further increased the demand for modern transportation facilities, thereby creating new opportunities for both inter and intra-city transportation services. It is argued that life in the city could have been unbearable and different without the imperative role of both the traditional and modern transportation services that with time paved a smoothing way for gradual transformation. The study adopts qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect and analyze data as it immerses subject of study into an in depth account of the actual events of the study. This method is also associated with paramount observations and oral interviews. The primary and secondary sources used include Archival materials that contain files such as memoranda, reports, regulations, diaries and letters on different transactions on road transportation generally. Primary data was collected through oral interviews with wide range of persons who have direct knowledge on road transportation system in Sokoto metropolis. The sources used in the study include published and unpublished materials.