Lagos moves to integrate non-motorized transport for sustainable future

As part of efforts to promote sustainable urban mobility, the Lagos state government is redesigning major transit interchanges across the city to prioritise environmental resilience and better integration of non-motorised transport options.

The initiative reflects a growing shift toward inclusive, climate-conscious infrastructure aimed at reducing emissions, easing congestion, and improving access for all road users.

Stakeholders who spoke during an X (formerly Twitter) space event hosted by the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), themed, ‘Lagos Transit Interchange Hubs: The role and impact of inclusive interchanges on urban mobility’ discussed how these hubs will support seamless connectivity across rail, road, and water transport, while also promoting environmental resilience and non-motorised commuting like walking and cycling.

“Our goal is to make mobility in Lagos seamless, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. From smart scheduling to pedestrian-friendly access, these hubs will shape how people move across the city,” Osa Konyeha, Technical Adviser, LAMATA, said.

Konyeha explained that all projects undergo environmental and social impact assessments.

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“These assessments look into the environmental impacts and social implications of the project, with all negative aspects being mitigated to ensure environmental sustainability,” he said

Konyeha further stated that the planning follows a multi-modal approach where all modes of transportation are interconnected, while adding that this integrated transport planning, with interchanges in place, aims to ensure that commuters can rely solely on public transportation for their journeys.

“This approach is seen as a major part of ensuring environmental sustainability and long-term resilience in the infrastructure,” he said.

Speaking on non-motorised transport (NMT) integration, Konyeha said that LAMATA’s vision for NMT is to become ingrained in Lagos’s urban fabric, using rail stations as springboards.

“The plan involves providing a network with a three-mile radius around stations, connecting origins and destinations to the rail station with direct connectivity,” he said.

As an example, he mentioned that for Marina, they are actively seeking partners to provide a system where the interchange is connected to areas like Broad Street, nearby markets, King’s College, and St. Nicholas Hospital.

He acknowledged the current lack of cycle lanes and stated that the use of stations like Ikeja and Agege would form the catalyst for developing their cycle route network.

“Regarding walking, pilot schemes have already started at Catholic Mission Street, with a phase two planned to expand to TBS.

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“LAMATA is actively looking at ways to expand the non-motorised transport network to support the rail, bus, and ferry services in Lagos,” he said.

On integrating ferry transport for sustainability, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, general manager for Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), represented by Ukeme Sunday, head of vessel, survey, and standard for LASWA, said that they are deploying OMI bus ferries on these new routes to provide safe and reliable alternatives to road transport.

“This shift not only eases congestion but supports our broader goal of sustainable mobility in Lagos.

“By connecting ferry terminals to the bus and rail systems, we’re building an integrated network that reduces dependence on road transport and promotes climate resilience,” Sunday said.

He also stated that concrete multimodal transportation needs have been taken into consideration and that feasibility studies assessed the technical, environmental, and financial viability of the Omi Eko projects (involving integrated jetty facilities).