P A G E 1 ASSESSMENT OF URBAN FREIGHT MOVEMENT FOR EFFECTIVE TRANSPORT PLANNING IN IBADAN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA *Adetunji, M. A. and Atomode, T. I. *Department of Geography, Federal University, Lokoja, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. maadetunji@yahoo.com +2348066245425 Abstract Studies of urban freight characteristics in Nigeria rarely exist in the literature. The perceptible neglect of freight traffic in urban transportation studies and planning are unjustifiable considering their role and impact on urban transportation. It is on this basis that an assessment of urban freight movement for effective transport planning in Ibadan Metropolis becomes necessary. Due to paucity of research on freight movements in Ibadan Metropolis, information on the characteristics of freight vehicles were collected with the aids of structured questionnaires. Six major areas (terminals) in Ibadan metropolis, where freight vehicles commonly load and off-load their goods were purposively selected for the study. Table of percentages was mainly used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that freight vehicles constitute 29.2% in total traffic flow in Ibadan city. Further analysis reveals that light-duty vehicles constitute the largest proportion of freight vehicles in the city. The pattern of freight movement is dominated by through traffic. The bulk of the freight (70.8%) originates from and (60%) terminates outside the Metropolis. Also, Agricultural products (40%) and consumable goods (26.7%) dominate freight movement in the study. The study concludes that appropriate measures need to be taken to incorporate freight transport into the urban transport planning in the city and other similar urban centres in developing world. The study recommends that the need for the revitalization and construction of light rail system are important to facilitate the movement of freight in the city and the country at large. Keyword: Freight, Modes, Tonnage, Traffic, Transport and Vehicles. GEO-STUDIES FORUM VOL. 7, NUMBERS 1 & 2, DEC, 2014