EcoMove Lagos: Public transport key to cleaner future, says Aremu

The Lagos State Government has intensified its campaign for a greener and healthier city through the Eco-Move Lagos, aimed at promoting sustainable transportation, reducing emissions, and encouraging public participation in creating an eco-friendly environment.

The Senior Special Assistant on Transportation to the Lagos State Governor, Honourable Toyin Aremu,

said this at a conference held on Tuesday at Ikeja, Lagos.

He emphasized the importance of connecting communities through clean and safe public transportation options, including the blue line, red line, ferries, and extensive terminals across the state.

“Lagos Eco-Move is about connecting communities, reducing emissions, and highlighting the role of public transportation in sustainable growth,” Aremu said.

“We want people to embrace public transportation because it is safer, more reliable, and better for the environment.”

The event theme “Connecting Communities, Reducing Emission brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders determined to reimagine the city’s mobility landscape.

The week-long EcoMove initiative, which runs from April 24 to 30, is a flagship project under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda aimed at promoting eco-friendly transportation systems through a blend of road, rail, and waterways infrastructure.

Aremu, painted a vivid picture of a future Lagos, “Close your eyes and imagine Lagos in 2030 a city with fresh air, electric BRTs, and communities connected by clean, safe public transport. This is not a dream, it is our shared vision brought to life by EcoMove Lagos 2025.”

The EcoMove campaign aims to build lasting public awareness around shared responsibility in protecting the environment.

“This can’t be left to government alone. Everyone must contribute, drivers, conductors, commuters, mechanics, and citizens,” Aremu said.

As Lagos positions itself as Africa’s second-largest economy, the state hopes to lead the continent in clean urban mobility.

“Imagine in 2030, a fresh, emission-free Lagos where we live longer, healthier lives. That’s what we are working towards,” Aremu concluded.

Giving a keynote address at the convenience is Prof. Iyiola Oni, a renowned Professor of Geography at Lagos State University (LASU) emphasized the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives.

“CNG and electric buses can drastically reduce emissions per trip. These technologies are not optional; they are essential for public health, productivity, and social inclusion.”

He praised the state’s initiatives, including the BRT expansion and Lagos Rail Mass Transit, while calling for policy consistency, better funding, and strong public engagement.

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Kehinde Ajobiewe, Ekiti State Commissioner for Transportation, described the initiative as a “laudable programme” that aligns with Ekiti’s own clean energy goals:

“We are embracing electric tricycles and planning vehicle conversions to CNG. It’s not just good policy—it’s necessary for our health and environment.”

Ajobiewe emphasized regional collaboration and commended the federal government’s support for the CNG transition.

The conference reinforced the need for synergy between government, stakeholders, and citizens. Public transport usage, infrastructure protection, emissions reduction, and cleaner vehicle standards were all highlighted as vital components of Lagos’s sustainable future.

The EcoMove Lagos 2025 campaign continues through April 30 with further stakeholder engagements and a final community activation to close the program.