Road Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Development in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite significant investments by the Akwa Ibom State government in road infrastructure, the 
state continues to face developmental challenges. Poor road conditions have hampered economic 
activities, access to education, healthcare service delivery, and limiting the state’s potential for 
comprehensive socioeconomic growth. This study assessed the nexus between road 
infrastructure and socio-economic development in Akwa Ibom State using a survey research 
design. Data were collected through questionnaires using stratified random sample from Akwa 
Ibom State’s population of 7.2 million. The study established significant positive association 
between road infrastructure and agricultural, access to education, and access to healthcare 
delivery services. Thus the good road infrastructure in the state supports the increased 
agricultural productivity, gave good access to educational facilities, and aided access to health 
care delivery services within the state. The study recommended that Akwa Ibom state 
government should prioritize road investments to boost market access and reduce transportation 
costs for farmers. Also, roads to schools should be rehabilitated to improve attendance and 
learning outcomes’ and rural roads should be upgraded to enhance healthcare access. Addressing 
these problems will significantly improve Akwa Ibom’s socioeconomic development.