Lagos plans future with fewer cars on roads

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to creating an eco-friendly state with fewer cars on the roads in the future.

Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, said this during a presentation at the closing of the fifth Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibitions in Lagos.

Osiyemi said that the commitment is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s led administration.

He expressed concern that traffic congestion costs the state trillions of naira in deficits annually.

According to him, the current reliance on road transportation, which accounts for 90 per cent of travel in Lagos, is unacceptable

The commissioner noted that water and rail transportation account for only two per cent of the means of transportation, highlighting their gross underutilisation.

Osiyemi emphasised that every sector in the state must be robust enough to contribute significantly to the wellbeing of its residents, as Lagos accounts for 30 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product.

He, however, expressed the readiness of the state to maximise the use of intermodal transportation system, to help upscale socio-economic activities in the metropolis and reduce man-hour loss to traffic.

In a panel discussion, Ms Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to Gov. Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, emphasised the need for the state and its stakeholders to adopt a purposeful approach to waste management.

Oshodi highlighted the importance of a circular economy in recycling, repurposing and reusing waste effectively.

She noted that several policies were already in place in the state for managing waste, urging producers and manufacturers across various sectors to collaborate with the state government to contribute to carbon reduction efforts.

Ms Stella Okengwu, Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes, said that the current economic situation calls for housing to be built based on clear demand that aligns with people’s budgets.

Okengwu, an engineer, urged industry players to maximise solar energy options by partnering with relevant companies and offering affordable repayment plans to clients.

Mr Ndifreke Ikokpu, Co-founder of Systemap, recommended implementing an open data policy in the state’s real estate administration to enable investors and citizens to access information for informed real estate decisions.

Similarly, Mr John Oamen, Co-founder of Cutstruct, urged the state government to promote the digitisation of construction procurement.

This, he added, would enhance the efficiency and practices of the construction and real estate sectors.