Effects of Poor Road Conditions on Logistics Costs: A Study of Transporters in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria

This study investigates the effects of poor road conditions on logistics costs among transporters operating in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. Ebonyi State, one of the less developed states in the South East geopolitical zone, relies heavily on road transport for moving agricultural produce, construction materials, and consumer goods. A large proportion of the state's road network, particularly rural and inter-community routes, remains in poor condition, significantly increasing vehicle operating costs. Using a descriptive survey design, structured questionnaires were administered to 110 commercial truck drivers, transport company operators, and loading depot supervisors across the Abakaliki, Afikpo, and Onueke transport hubs in Ebonyi State. The study measures road condition severity using transporter perceptions of surface quality, pothole frequency, and seasonal passability. Logistics cost impacts are assessed through vehicle maintenance expenditure per trip, fuel consumption variance, trip cycle time, and tyre replacement frequency. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis are used to test the hypothesised relationship. The study draws on recent transport economics literature and African infrastructure gap studies. Findings are expected to confirm significant positive correlations between road quality degradation and vehicle operating cost inflation, providing empirical support for road rehabilitation investment cases in Ebonyi State. Recommendations address the state government, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, and community development unions on road maintenance prioritisation. Keywords: road conditions, logistics costs, transporters, Ebonyi State, transport infrastructure.