By Seun Ibiyemi
The Lagos State Government has officially launched its EcoMove campaign, urging transport unions, mechanics, and residents to collectively embrace environmentally conscious practices in a bid to create a cleaner, healthier city.
The campaign places a strong focus on the importance of sustainable transportation in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing public health across Lagos.
Addressing the initiative, Honourable Toyin Aremu, Senior Special Assistant on Transportation to the Lagos State Governor, underscored the pivotal role public transport can play in addressing climate change while also driving economic progress.
“Lagos EcoMove is about linking communities, cutting down on emissions, and encouraging sustainable transport choices. It’s a collective appeal for everyone to adopt greener habits,” Aremu said.
He pointed to existing infrastructure, such as the Blue Line, Red Line, ferry services, and extensive terminal networks, as safer and more dependable alternatives that can also help reduce road congestion.
“Our waterways, for example, are only being used at 22 per cent of their potential. There’s significant room for expansion. We need people to set aside their reservations and embrace water transport, which can ease the pressure on our roads,” he added.
The EcoMove campaign includes a series of public outreach efforts, including medical check-ups, awareness roadshows, and clean-up exercises targeting public parks and mechanic workshops. These initiatives are part of a wider push to involve key groups such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in maintaining vehicles and curbing emissions from poorly serviced or outdated vehicles.
Aremu called for collective accountability in safeguarding the city’s infrastructure and environmental resources.
“This isn’t a task for the government alone. Citizens have a role to play in maintaining public facilities, supporting progressive policies, and protecting shared assets. A cleaner Lagos is a win for all,” he said.
He also shared a vision of what Lagos could become by 2030, a low-emission, clean-air city where residents enjoy better health outcomes and a robust economy.
“If we take decisive steps today, Lagos can emerge as Africa’s most eco-conscious megacity. But it begins with the everyday choices we make.”
The EcoMove initiative is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader commitment to sustainable urban development and reflects the administration’s intent to position Lagos at the forefront of climate-smart city planning in Africa.