The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its posture on implementing Integrated Multi-modal Transportation in the state.
At the opening ceremony of the National Transport Technology Conference and Exhibition at Victoria Island, Lagos, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu affirmed that Lagos State has been at the forefront of investment in a technological driven Multi-modal transportation system to address the technical challenges in the transport sector.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, reiterated that the goal of the Lagos State Government is to synchronize all modes of transportation to reduce travel time in a safe and affordable way for the citizenry, adding that his administration had remained resolute in completing existing mass transit line project to cater to the growing population.
He stated that an innovation such as the Cowry Card was created to synergize connectivity of the modes via centralized payment to simplify accessibility to all mode intervention and harness economic advantage.
Sanwo-Olu also explained that the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Traffic Management Solution (TMS) were technology introduced to curb excesses and recalcitrant road culture with reduced human intervention on Lagos roads.
Disclosing further, the governor said that over 6,000km of Metro Network Connection Fiber has been laid within the State to fast track higher bandwidth, faster internet speed with stronger security to make Lagos a 24hr driven Smart City, assuring that his administration is open to collaboration that can aid successful reform in the transport sector.
Earlier in her address, the Minister of State for Transportation, Mrs. Gbemisola Saraki, aligned with the need to achieve a greener transportation system to promote environmental friendliness across the country.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mrs. Magdelene Ajani, explained that the Ministry was in the process of reviewing a policy on Non-Motorised Transportation (NMT) to further strengthen greener transportation in the country.
Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde reiterated the resolve of the government to sustain and improve the existing technological interventions in the Transportation sector, adding that all types of challenges encountered daily require creative solutions.
Oladeinde expressed confidence in the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure and proper leverage on technology to address transport and logistics challenges in the country. He assured that all modes of transportation will be adequately reviewed for the benefit of stakeholders and improved economic turnaround.
“The meeting is taking place at a pivotal moment in our nation where a sustainable roadmap is required to shape the future of transportation.” the Transport Commissioner averred.
The Chairman Nigerian Transport Commissioners Forum, Ramatu Mohammed stated that technology has made a profound impact on every sector, adding that the country as a whole has barely scratched the surface of its true potential.
She revealed that innovation in the sector would be examined and modified for application at grass root level.
The Federal Road Safety Corp Commander, Corp Commander Boboye Oyeyemi lauded stakeholders in the transport sector, especially the Lagos State Government on its maximization of the Multi-modal transport system as it has managed its 40% of the nation’s vehicle density.
He stressed that the sector is in dire need of diversification to solve the emerging problems and expressed optimism on the outcome of the conference.
Sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience at the conference, Professor Iyiola Oni affirmed that multi-modalism would promote accessibility to reduce carbon footprint for a greener transportation system.
He also explained that development of effective policies was required for sustainability, accessibility and mobility in urban areas of Nigeria alongside necessary infrastructure, investment and political will to restructure the public transport system. – The News.
