The Lagos State Government’s drive toward a greener and more inclusive transportation system reached a pivotal moment on Tuesday as stakeholders, experts, and policymakers converged for the EcoMove Lagos 2025 conference.
The theme of the conference is “Connecting Communities, Reducing Emission: The Role of Public Transportation in Achieving Sustainable Goals.”
In his opening remarks, Hon. Toyin Aremu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, called on attendees to envision a Lagos of 2030, one where fresh air, electric BRTs, and seamless mobility unite communities from Oshodi to Lekki. “This is not a dream, it is our shared vision, brought to life by EcoMove Lagos 2025.”
The week-long EcoMove campaign, running from April 24 to 30, under the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has seen coordinated initiatives that blend environmental sustainability with social equity through public transportation.
Notable activities so far include a statewide mechanic village clean-up, promoting green practices among hundreds of automotive technicians which took place on April 24; a medical outreach in motor parks across Berger, Oshodi, and Ojuelegba, offering free health screenings to over 600 frontline transport workers, which took place on April 25.
Also, a transport awareness roadshow across major city corridors, engaging the public on road safety and the benefits of alternative fuels was carried out on April 26, just as an infrastructure tour showcasing Lagos’ multimodal network including rail, BRT, ferries, and last-mile transport solutions took place on April 28.
Hon. Aremu urged stakeholders to turn the energy of clean-ups, roadshows, and infrastructure showcases into policy.
“When we connect our communities through safe, reliable and green public transport, we do more than move people, we move Lagos toward a truly sustainable future”
At the heart of Tuesday’s conference was the keynote presentation by Prof. S. I. Oni, Director of the Transport and Logistics Centre, University of Lagos. He highlighted the critical role of public transportation in shaping equitable, low-emission cities aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 9 (Innovation and Infrastructure).
“Public transport,” Oni noted, “is more than mobility—it’s a lifeline for economic opportunity, environmental protection, and social inclusion.” He cited Lagos’ population of over 20 million and the pressing need to reduce congestion, pollution, and inequality by scaling up affordable and integrated transport systems.
Oni showcased existing strategic initiatives including by the state which include the BRT corridors connecting Ikorodu–TBS, Oshodi–Abule Egba, and Yaba–Oyingbo; the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) projects, including the electricity-powered Blue and Red lines.
Others, according to the professor include the introduction of electric and CNG buses, and plans for non-motorized transport infrastructure like walkways and bicycle lanes as well as the development of the Lagos State Transport Master Plan (LSTMP) and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) systems.
Prof. Oni emphasized that electric buses now travel up to 280km on a single charge, reducing Lagos’ carbon footprint while improving transit reliability.
Other highlights from the panel discussion included remarks by Engineer Akin-George Fashola, Director of the Lagos Vehicle Inspection Service, who encouraged citizens to adopt cycling and other non-motorized modes. “This initiative is a collective responsibility,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hon. Kehinde Kolawole Ajobiewe, Ekiti State Commissioner for Transport, has lauded Lagos’ leadership in sustainable transport, affirming that Ekiti is pursuing similar strategies.
The event attracted wide participation from transport associations, mechanics, and officials from Ogun State, underscoring regional collaboration in achieving climate-friendly mobility solutions.
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