CHAPTERONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of Study

Nigeriaranked as the country with the second largest road network in Africa in 2011.Itpopulation density which varies in rural and urban areas (approximately 51.1%and 48.3% respectively) translates to a population-road ratio of 860 personsper square kilometres showing intense traffic pressure on the available roadnetwork [1].This pressure contributes to the high road traffic offence mishapin the country. In Nigeria, road transport is the most commonly used by themajority of citizen, as the easiest option in moving goods and travellers.Despite the important role played by road transport, the sector has encountereda number of challenges emanating from poor road traffic offences informationmanagement, resulting to incessant road accidents. Road accidents, resultingfrom careless driving, over-speeding and other road traffic offences haveresulted to numerous consequences including deaths, injuries, disabilities andloss of properties, all of which accelerate to poverty in the country. Thedeath of the most productive member exerts a devastating impact to thefamilies, pushing many into poverty with long lasting effect to their childrenand their community at large [2].The poor road offence information managementsituation in Nigeria has reached such an alarming proportion even to the pointof sheer frustration and near helplessness. While many developing and developedcountries have made concerted efforts to reduce road traffic offence throughthe adoption of improved management information technology, Nigeria seems to belagging behind.  

Global trends in road transportation have shown that efficient and safe transportation management models are becoming highly dependent on Information and Communications Technologies[3].There is need for technological interventions in reducing road offences and its consequences, road accidents. Road safety is a global concern not only for public health and injury prevention but also to improve efficiency in road traffic management[3].ICTs’ adoption in road traffic offence information management operations will help to achieve the ambition of drastic reduction in road traffic offences and road accidents prevalent in Nigeria.