Socio-Economic Vulnerability and Policy Gaps: Challenges of Roadside Vendors Exposed to Vehicular Air Pollution in Urban Nigeria.

Abstract

Roadside vending is a common livelihood activity in urban Nigeria, providing employment for millions of informal sector workers. However, vendors operating along busy roads are exposed to high concentrations of vehicular-induced particulate matter, presenting significant health risks. This study examined the socio-economic vulnerabilities, coping strategies, and policy awareness of roadside vendors exposed to vehicular air pollution along Iwofe Road in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 280 roadside vendors selected from a population of 350. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Variables assessed included socio-demographic characteristics, protective measures, barriers to protection, awareness of government policies, and vendors' recommendations for intervention. Findings revealed significant socio-economic vulnerability, with 75% of vendors earning ₦5,000 or less daily. Only 35% used face masks, with cost identified as the primary barrier (55%). Umbrellas (60%) and handkerchiefs (45%) were the most commonly used protective measures, though largely ineffective against particulate matter. Notably, 82% of vendors were unaware of any government policies on air quality. Vendors recommended stricter vehicle emission controls (45%), subsidized protective gear (30%), relocation to safer zones (25%), and regular road cleaning (20%). Thematic analysis revealed a clear shift from personal to government responsibility in proposed solutions. The study reveals a population caught between awareness and helplessness, characterized by low protective capacity, weak policy implementation, and economic constraints that trap vendors in hazardous environments. Effective interventions must address both the structural determinants of pollution and the socio-economic barriers to protection, with emphasis on affordable protective resources, policy enforcement, and inclusive urban planning.