User-Centered Inclusive Wayfinding Design for Improved Navigation at Minna Railway Station, Nigeria

Efficient navigation within transportation facilities is essential for accessibility, safety, and user satisfaction. However, many railway stations in Nigeria lack inclusive wayfinding systems capable of supporting diverse user groups. This study examines user-centered and inclusive wayfinding strategies for improving navigation at Minna Railway Station in Niger State, Nigeria. Using a qualitative case study approach, systematic field observations were conducted to assess how passengers interact with the station’s spatial layout and existing wayfinding elements. Data were collected through repeated site visits, field notes, spatial sketches, and photographic documentation focusing on circulation patterns, signage visibility, accessibility features, and user navigation behaviour. The findings reveal several challenges, including poorly positioned signage, limited tactile and auditory navigation cues, obstructed accessible routes, and heavy reliance on informal assistance from staff or other passengers. These conditions create barriers for persons with disabilities, elderly users, and first-time travelers. The study therefore proposes design strategies that emphasize improved signage hierarchy, clearer spatial organization, and the integration of multi-sensory wayfinding cues based on universal design principles. The research contributes to the development of a user-centered framework for enhancing navigability and inclusive mobility in Nigerian railway stations and similar public transport environments.