Enhancing Safety and Accessibility in the Design of Public Transportation Hubs in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Public transportation hubs in rapidly urbanizing Nigerian cities often fall short of the safety and accessibility standards necessary to serve all users equitably. This study examined the spatial, environmental, and operational deficiencies within selected motor transport terminals in Minna, Niger State, using a mixed-methods research approach that combines structured user surveys (n=231), systematic site observations, and qualitative case studies benchmarked against the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) Environmental Accessibility Audit Toolkit, ISO 21542:2021, and the Nigeria National Building Code (2006, updated 2024). Findings reveal persistent deficiencies in circulation design, way finding, lighting, safety infrastructure, and accessibility compliance conditions that disproportionately affect persons with disabilities, elderly commuters, and women with dependents. Comparative analysis with local and international transport terminals demonstrates that accessible, safe, and environmentally responsive design is achievable within similar developmental contexts. In response, the study proposes the Accessibility-Driven Design Framework (ADDF), a five-component model that integrates spatial hierarchy, universal accessibility, environmental comfort, safety systems, and maintenance governance as foundational design principles. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on inclusive transport architecture in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa