Addressing infrastructural deficits, developing countries face significant transportation challenges, including pollution, congestion, accidents, low-quality public transport, poor road networks, and increased personal vehicles on roads. Nigeria, with a population of over 232 million and an annual growth rate of 2.39%, faces these challenges as it works towards building sustainable infrastructure for sustainable development.
At the Lagos State University-Sustainable Development Goals (LASU-SDGs) second National Conference on Agenda 2030, stakeholders in the transport industry called for sustainable modes of transport for developing cities in Nigeria. The conference, themed “Making Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient, and Sustainable,” featured presentations from global scholars, including Professor Chen Jit Ern, Director of the Jeffrey Sachs Centre for Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In her welcome address, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Olufunsho Abayomi Omobitan, emphasized the importance of urban sustainability, involving resource planning and development to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions. She noted that addressing challenges is crucial for effective urban sustainability.
Professor Tayo Ajayi, Director of LASU-SDGs, stated that the conference aimed to bring together stakeholders to discuss how smart city technology can benefit Nigeria’s population by improving transportation systems, enhancing safety and security, optimizing resource management, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Keynote Speaker Professor Ern emphasized the need for inclusive cities, ensuring access to opportunities and services regardless of socio-economic status, gender, age, or ability. He encouraged sustainable transportation modes and proposed developing elevated pedestrian pathways and underground walkways to replace individual vehicle-focused networks. He stressed that designing urban environments for foot traffic access is key to developing safer, more inclusive, and sustainable human settlements.
The event featured goodwill messages from notable figures and the presentation of awards of excellence to deserving individuals.
