Ambode vows to tackle traffic gridlock

Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, on Thursday assured the people of the state of his determination to work out an effective traffic management policy.

According to a statement released on his website, Ambode said this at the traffic management and transportation summit organised by the state government.

The governor observed that with the realities on ground, there is the need for practical and innovative solutions to confront the challenges and deliver immediate dividends.

“Lagos, in many ways, is a victim of its own success as many people leave other states and travel to Lagos seeking better opportunities. More Nigerians want to reside in Lagos and this obviously comes with some challenges,” he said.

“As one of the leading commercial centres and an emerging city-state, we need to go back to the drawing board and agree on how our transportation sector can be effectively and efficiently operated to support the kind of trade and investment we want to continually attract.

“We need to collectively examine how transportation sector can improve public sector delivery through better institutional framework, quality transport infrastructure and then tackle wasteful and socially harmful transport patterns.

“You will agree with me that the ease of travelling, mobility and communication are critical fuels for our State economic engine.”

He called on stakeholders in the transport sector to evaluate and articulate effective strategies that would reduce congestion.

Ambode also harped on the need to make other means of transportation more viable and attractive in order to reduce the pressure on the roads.

“As a government that is keen on promoting business and creating wealth opportunities for our residents, we are committed to seeking and funding substantial and comprehensive solutions to traffic challenges, therefore we are ready to take tough recommendations you come out with,” he said.

“We owe it to the people to ensure Lagos works for all. Tackling traffic is a good place to start; a good place to begin the significant change that our people expect from us. Let us make Lagos work for us all.”

In his speech, Dayo Mobereola, commissioner for transportation, said the summit was put together in furtherance of state government’s determination to genuinely address the traffic challenges confronting the state.

“The summit was also aimed at jointly developing workable system and solution with all stakeholders with the view to articulate and share knowledge and explore innovative approaches to free the roads and help in developing a robust traffic management,” he said.