The Lagos State Government is implementing or considering strategies and policies that will address the impact of climate change on the transport sector and the entire state.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, gave the assurance in Lagos on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
Osiyemi spoke at the maiden edition of the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) National Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUM Conference24).
The conference had the theme: “Implementing Safe, Inclusive and Climate Resilient Urban Transport in a Digital Age for Sustainable Development”.
According to Osiyemi, climate-resilient urban transportation is essential for sustainable development.
“Some key strategies and policies currently implemented or under consideration in Lagos State include transitioning to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and promoting electric public transport which can significantly mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,” the official said.
He also said that the strategies and policies included introduction of multimodal transport system which encouraged the use of diverse modes of transport such as buses, trains, bicycles.
“This reduces dependence on private vehicles,” the official said.
He added that the state was constructing infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather effects such as floods and heatwave.
“This involves designing roads, bridges and public transport systems that are durable and adaptable.
“Implementing forward-thinking policies that support sustainable transport, such as promoting EV adoption, encouraging private sector investment in public transport, and integrating adequate infrastructure for cycling and walking in road designs, can drive meaningful change,” he said.
Osiyemi added that leveraging new technologies such as smart traffic management systems and emissions-reducing innovations can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of urban transport.
The commissioner said that by integrating these strategies, cities could develop transportation systems that are not only sustainable but also resilient to the effects of climate change.
“This comprehensive approach ensures that urban transport contributes positively to the overarching goal of sustainable development.
“I eagerly anticipate engaging in stimulating discussions focused on localised implementation of strategies,” he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, said that sustainable transport system was imperative to mitigate environmental degradation, alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the overall quality of urban life.
Akinajo said that the importance of sustainable transport system could not be overstated in the midst of the global climate crises threatening human existence.
She listed the threats to include different transport externalities in form of road crashes, greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion and the negative social, environmental and health impacts that adversely affected the wellbeing of humanity.
The LAMATA boss said that achieving urban transport efficiency would require strategic innovations to address inherent gaps in current practices, adding that deployment of appropriate digital and smart technologies had become imperative.
According to Akinajo, the specific objectives of SUM Conference24 include to create an avenue for spotlighting the critical issues in the transport sector with respect to climate change, inclusivity and technology.
“It includes to provide a quintessential forum for key stakeholders from government, private sector, academía, NGOs, civil society, transport unions and public transport user groups to develop capacity on sustainable urban mobility.
“It also includes examining transportation contribution to environmental degradation, to examine and evaluate the financial complexities in building and maintaining sustainable public transport infrastructure,” she said.
According to her, the conference will provide a platform to showcase the Lagos urban mobility system success story thereby inspiring action by other states.
Akinajo said that the national conference on sustainable urban mobility was supported by the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of the state government.
“The agenda’s overall objective is to provide adequate public infrastructure, improve living standards and public safety, create an enabling long-term physical and regulatory environment for economic growth and increased job opportunities and sustainable development for the rapidly growing population of Lagos,” she said.
By Oluwatope Lawanson and Chiazo Ogbolu
