The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, says that Non-Motorised Transportation (NMT) is a major element that has been prioritised in the state’s transport policy.
Osiyemi said this at the 2024 World Car-Free Day celebrated on Sunday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Car-Free Day is celebrated every year on or around Sept. 22 in cities across the globe.
During this event, people are encouraged not to use their cars for a day.
Osiyemi said that in prioritising and promoting NMT, government would continue to incorporate infrastructure for non-motorised means of transportation into its future plans and road designs.
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According to Osiyemi, the maiden edition of the Day, held on Sept. 23, 2022, promoted non-motorised form of transportation, otherwise known as active transportation.
He said that non-motorised transport included walking, cycling, skating and other small-wheeled form of transportation.
“Today, we come together again to embrace a vision of our cities and communities that prioritises sustainability, health and well-being.
“By leaving our cars at home, we are taking a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint, improving air quality, and creating safer, more liveable spaces for residents of our dear state.
“This day is not just about giving our cars a rest; it is about reimagining our urban landscapes. It is about enjoying the simple pleasures of walking, cycling, and using public transport.
“It is about connecting with our neighbours, exploring our local environment and experiencing the freedom that comes with less traffic and cleaner air,” he said.
The commissioner pointed out that just 11 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling could lower the risk of an early death.
He stressed that it could also reduce the risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.
Osiyemi said that the steps taken today were towards a greener and healthier future.
“Let us use this opportunity to reflect on how we can incorporate these practices into our daily lives, making sustainable choices that benefit our planet and our communities,” he said.
He said that government was trying to encourage NMT and give it more attention and importance, adding that it was working on addressing both the infrastructure and culture challenges.
Also commenting, Mrs Olamide Ejorh, Executive Director, Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI), a non-profit organisation, advocated for sustainable transportation in urban areas.
Ejorh noted that beyond celebrating the car-free day, it was trying to work with the Lagos State Government on improving road infrastructure and promoting the use of electric buses and cars.
“Actually, Lagos State has a lot they are doing, they are looking into including cycling and working on data collection around the Marina towards that end.
“We started urging Lagos State on this issue at the end of the design of the NMT policy. Since then, it has been trying to integrate the NMT policy into Lagos transport policy and this is very key.
“If it is included, it means they are thinking about people that are walking, cycling on how they can do it safely, securely and regularly.
“At the moment, people do cycling because of sports and health reasons but it can be done everyday if the person works not too far away from home and within estates,” she said.
