By Femi Akinola
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stated that the state embraced cleaner transport system because urban mobility was critical to the state’s future.
The governor added that the state is transitioning to greener and more efficient systems that align urban transport development with climate resilience.
He said the state was pioneering a sustainable transport system, recognizing its critical role in driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said these at the maiden edition of the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) National Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility on Tuesday in Lagos.
The conference had the theme: ”Implementing Safe, Inclusive and Climate Resilient Urban Transport in a Digital Age For Sustainable Development.”
Represented at the conference by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Sanwo-Olu said that poorly managed transport systems increased global challenges such as air pollution and social exclusion.
His words: ”The Lagos State Government, through LAMATA and the Lagos State Waterways Authority, is implementing a sustainable multimodal public transport system that integrates cleaner energy, intra-city buses, bus rapid transit, light rail transit, inland waterways transit, and non-motorized transport options.
”Also, Lagos is actively implementing programs and policies aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating harmful effects of greenhouse emissions.
”We are exploring urban transport solutions that will incorporate the use of hydroelectricity, CNG biomass, geothermal energy and even renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar energy into our public transport system.
”The state is implementing a multimodal public transport system, incorporating cleaner energy buses, light rail transit, and non-motorized options.
”By prioritizing sustainability and accessibility, Lagos aims to reduce emissions, enhance air quality and create a healthier environment for all.”
Sanwo-Olu stressed further that the use of real-time data to monitor traffic patterns, the deployment of contactless payment systems, and the introduction of mobile apps to provide up-to-date transit information, are just a few examples of how the state is embracing digitalization.
Highlighting some of the plans of the state government towards sustainable urban mobility, the governor stated that LAMATA is currently implementing two pilot demonstration schemes on CNG buses and Electric buses.
Earlier at the ocasion, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, said ”transportation is central to sustainable development, as it connects people and destinations resulting in opportunities and livelihoods.
Akinajo noted that the importance of sustainable transportation cannot be overstated in the midst of the global climate crisis, which is currently threatening human existence.
”Sustainable transportation has emerged as the imperative solution to mitigate environmental degradation, alleviate traffic congestion, and enhance the overall quality of urban life,” Akinajo said.
