Understanding Passenger Pirating Activities among Inter-City Commercial Transport Service Providers in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the characteristics, prospects and risks associated with the operation of the passenger-piracy among inter-city transport service operators in Lokoja, Nigeria.  Using purposive sampling technique, 170 operators were surveyed across the three main inter-city transport routes leading into and out of the city. The findings revealed that more than 70% of the pirate transport vehicles were low occupancy types. Approximately 40.1% of the operators claimed that they engaged in passenger-piracy in order to avoid unnecessary queue at the terminals. Constraints such as fierce competition among transport operators; extortion from touts; and intimidation from the transport union officials were identified as limiting factors to the operations of inter-city transport service operators. Significant correlation were found between the practice of passengers piracy and Complete loading at terminal (r=.481); possession of manifest(r=.735); charging lower fare as compared to what was obtainable at the terminal (r=.216) and being a member of Union of transport services providers (r=.240). The study recommended that the operation of the pirate transport services should be reviewed and incorporated into the formal public transport services.