The Lagos State Government flagged off a three-day Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUM) Conference themed Implementing safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban transport in a digital age for sustainable development.”
Addressing participants at the conference, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that the state is implementing a sustainable multi-modal public transport system that integrates cleaner energy, intracity buses, bus rapid transit, light rail, light transit, inland water transit, and non-motorised transportation options in its transportation system.
According to the Lagos State Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, “This event, I think it’s ideal for policymakers, planners, engineers, researchers, public transport operators, and other stakeholders in transportation across Nigeria to build capacity to one of the most pressing challenges of our time, sustainable urban mobility.
“The theme reflects both the complexity and urgency of the work that we all have to do, especially those of us in this room. It challenges us to confront the intertwined crises of climate change, urbanisation, and social inequality while embracing the opportunities presented by digital innovation.
“As cities around the world expand, the demand on our transportation system grows ever more acute. Here in Lagos, one of Africa’s fastest-growing urban centres, we have felt this pressure very profoundly. Population unit urban rapid urbanisation and economic development have placed increasing strain on existing infrastructure, often leading to traffic gridlock, environmental issues and social inequalities.
“Transportation has been essential to sustainable development as it connects people to jobs, to play, to commercial activities, to education, and to other essential services, which normally drives economic growth and the health of our lives.
“So when it is poorly managed, it can also escalate some of the most significant global challenges like air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, road accidents, and, of course, social issues.
“This reality places a monumental responsibility on all of us. We are therefore challenged to think on how best we design, build and operate our transport systems. The choices we make today will shape the future of our cities and the well-being of future generations.
“Our planet is facing a climate crisis, with the transportation sector contributing significantly to greenhouse emissions. transportation sector alone accounts for nearly a quarter of energy-related labour emissions, making it imperative that we transition to greener, more efficient and sustainable systems.
“Our planet is facing a climate crisis. In Lagos, we have made this transition a top priority. Lagos state government is actively implementing programmes and policies aimed at reducing and balancing fossil fuels and combating the harmful effect of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our administration is exploring clean urban transport solutions that will incorporate the use of hydroelectricity, CNG, biomass, geotar energy and information on renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar energy into our public transport system towards sustainable urban development. “LAMATA is currently implementing two pilot demonstration schemes on CAD buses and electric buses. This transition will reduce emissions and create a cleaner, quieter and healthier environment for us in Lagos. Sustainability, therefore, is not just about reducing carbon footprint. It is also about ensuring that transport system has become safe and accessible to all citizens, irrespective of class or status.
“This national conference on sustainable urban mobility is an important step to policy. With renewable resources and a clear sense of purpose, we can collectively create transport systems that are safe, inclusive, fibre resilient and digitally enhanced. This will ensure that our cities remain vibrant, livable and sustainable for generations to come.”
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Akinajo, stated that the theme for the 2024 SUM Conference captures the breadth of challenges and opportunities faced in the transport sector today and speaks to the urgent need for solutions that prioritise safety, equity and sustainability while embracing the power of digital technologies that can transform systems and elevate cities.
In the words of the LAMATA MD, “This gathering marks a pioneering event in our collective journey towards building a more sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient urban transport system not just for Lagos but for Nigeria as a whole.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to our sustainable development partners, namely: Ochenuel Mobility Nigeria, the German Agency for International Development (GIZ)-Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI), International Transport Development Policy (ITDP), Nairobi-Kenya, the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), SLR, DT Global, Transport Growth Initiative (TGI) Nigeria, University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Four Pulley Media Group, for their valuable support and cooperation.
“After successfully hosting two consecutive editions of the Africa Sustainable Mobility Course (SUMCourse), in collaboration with Ochenuel Mobility Nigeria and development partners, LAMATA made the strategic decision to transition from organising capacity-building SUMCourse workshops mainly for LASG MDAs to institutionalising an annual national conference on sustainable urban mobility (SUMConference) that will serve as a knowledge hub for policymakers, planners, engineers, researchers, operators, and other key stakeholders at both national and sub-national levels in Nigeria.
“LAMATA is driven by a vision to establish a sustainable integrated multimodal public transport system that benefits the megacity status of Lagos. As the first metropolitan transport authority (MTA) in Nigeria and the first Lagos State Government (LASG) institution to be internationally (ISO) certified, LAMATA has continued to pioneer several initiatives that are fundamentally reshaping the urban transport development landscape in the megacity region.
“Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is the flagship of LAMATA’s bus services reforms and the first example of a comprehensive and integrated approach to improving public transport in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). BRT provides an affordable and efficient alternative to private motor vehicles (PMVs), thereby reducing carbon emissions and congestion on our roads while enhancing the daily commute experience for millions of Lagosians. In addition, LAMATA is promoting the use of other sustainable modes and renewable energy sources for clean urban transport and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“LAMATA is currently implementing two pilot demonstration schemes on compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and electric buses (e-buses) towards sustainable mobility. The deployment of 11 CNG buses commenced in August 2021, travelling over 380,000 km and conveying 520,000 passengers till date. Two e-buses were also procured by a private sector partner, with two charging station infrastructures installed. The 2 e-buses have travelled over 120,000 km since May 2023. The plan is to scale up to 50 e-buses after a successful pilot scheme demonstration.
“Towards sustainable transport development, LASG through LAMATA recently completed the first phase implementation of the Blue Line (Mile2-Marina) and Red Line (Agbado-Oyingbo) Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT), which are two (2) out of six (6) rail lines systematically identified in the 2014 Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP), as part of an urban rail network for the Lagos megacity region. The development of both rail corridors will significantly reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution along the main arterial road network. The Blue Line, which commenced effective passenger operations on September 4, 2023, is run by Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) through an Independent Power Plant (IPP).
“LAMATA is also dedicated to creating all-inclusive transport hubs that cater for diverse needs of the population, especially women, children, the elderly, physically disadvantaged, and other vulnerable groups. The EMPOWER consortium, comprising LAMATA and partners, conducted research under the High Volume Transport (HVT) programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) on practical tools for decision-makers and citizens to tackle sexual harassment in SSA.
“The unique online SHE-CAN-Tool (Sexual Harassment Engagement: Changing Attitudes Meeting Needs) will assist policymakers and transport providers to develop an evidence-based approach for tackling sexual harassment and personal security within public transport.”
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