Transportation Network Analysis and Commuter Challenges in Abuja Federal Capital Territory

Abuja, Nigeria's planned federal capital in the North Central geopolitical zone, faces escalating transportation challenges driven by rapid population growth, inadequate public transit infrastructure, and spatial mismatch between residential satellite towns and employment centres. This study analyses the transportation network structure of the Federal Capital Territory using GIS-based network analysis and commuter survey data, focusing on road connectivity, public transit coverage, and travel time burdens for workers commuting from satellite towns. A detailed road network dataset was obtained from the FCT Geographic Information Systems Department and supplemented with field-verified updates. Origin-destination travel time matrices were computed for commuter flows between the eight most populated satellite towns (including Lugbe, Karu, Zuba, and Mararaba) and the central business district. Household commuter surveys administered to 560 respondents captured mode choice, travel time, expenditure on transportation, and perceived service quality. Results indicate that satellite town residents spend an average of 2.3 hours daily on commuting, with 78 percent relying on informal bus rapid transport due to the absence of formal mass transit connecting all residential zones. Cost of transportation consumes an average of 22 percent of household income among low-income commuters. The study finds significant network disconnection between planned road spurs in Phase 3 districts and major arterial routes, exacerbating accessibility deficits. Recommendations focus on bus rapid transit corridor development, park-and-ride facilities, and improved inter-modal connectivity. Keywords: transportation network, commuting, Abuja, FCT, North Central Nigeria.