ABSTRACT.

Transportation is the basis for economic, social and political development in most societies as it exhibits a close relationship to the style and quality of living of the society. Transportation plays an important role in the dayto day activities of the society. Some of the roles it plays in our societies are the subject of this paper. This paper therefore attempts to illustrate the roles and impacts of transportation in Nigerian society by considering such roles as social, economic political and environmental. Each of the roles is discussed in some detail and at the end of the day transportation is seen in its two conflicting sides positive side and negative side.

INTRODUCTION

In most communities, a large fraction of the working population travels daily in one form of

mechanized vehicles or the other to and from work not to mention journeys made for recreation,

shopping and other social activities goods are also shipped over a long distance to provide those

materials, which are part of the expected standard of living. Transportation in an integral part of

the functioning of any society and advances in transportation have made possible changes in the

way we live and the way societies are organized. Transportation exhibits a close relationship to

the style of living, the range and location of productive and leisure activities and the goods and

services, which will be available for consumption. Transportation, however, consumes a lot of

resources, for example the time spent in building, maintaining and operating the Transportation

system, fueling materials and land on which roads are built. These expenses would not be

borne if there were no substantial benefits from the extensive use of transportation in

improving the overall capacity and quality of life.