Examining the Gender Dimensions of Transport Poverty in Peri-Urban Settlements of Abuja

Transport poverty, characterised by the inability to access adequate transport services due to cost, availability, or physical accessibility constraints, has gendered dimensions that remain poorly quantified in the Nigerian context. This study examines gender-differentiated transport poverty among residents of peri-urban settlements in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, including Nyanya, Lugbe, and Karu districts in the North Central zone. A quantitative survey design is employed, with data gathered from 400 respondents stratified by gender, age, and settlement zone through a transport access index instrument. The study measures transport cost burden, journey time, service availability by time of day, trip suppression rates, and mobility-constrained access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Disaggregated analysis reveals that women experience significantly higher rates of trip suppression, averaging 3.4 constrained trips per week compared to 1.8 for men, driven by higher household income dependence on transport, time-of-day service gaps, and security concerns inhibiting night travel. Women in peri-urban zones spend up to 31 percent of household income on transport, exceeding commonly cited affordability thresholds. The study addresses a gap in existing research on the North Central urban fringe, where transport poverty measurement has been largely aggregate rather than gender-disaggregated. Recommendations include gender-responsive transit service planning, targeted fare concession mechanisms, and mandatory gender impact assessments for urban transport projects in the FCT. Keywords: transport poverty, gender, peri-urban, Abuja, mobility access.