…as EDSTA unveils initiatives on transformative urban mobility
By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Edo State Government, through the Edo State Transport Authority (EDSTA), has hosted the 11th edition of the African Sustainable Urban Mobility Course in Benin City, with the theme, ‘Transforming Urban Transport System for a Safe and Sustainable Future in Edo State’.
The event featured Governor Godwin Obaseki as the keynote speaker, who was represented by EDSTA’s Managing Director, Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor. The three-day programme was designed to conduct a comprehensive review of the transportation system, with particular reference to Edo State and some other states in Nigeria and Africa. The programme’s objectives include identifying key challenges and bottlenecks, pinpointing strategic areas for development and investments, and providing actionable recommendations for sustainable improvement and growth.
In a welcome address, Mrs. Agbonlahor remarked: “This course is most timely as the Edo State Government, through EDSTA, is currently developing a comprehensive transport master plan, spanning 2024–2040. It was in the light of the above that we felt it was necessary to domesticate the course recommended by the National Council of Transport in response to the United Nation’s (UN) resolution on promoting public transportation and active travel as preferred modes of transport in cities globally.”
While commenting on the Edo State Urban Transport System, its existing realities, current reforms, and the future, Mrs. Agbonlahor commended Governor Obaseki’s leadership and investments in the transport sector.
According to her, “Edo State as the transport hub of the Nation, is endowed with substantial and diversified multi-modal transportation potential that need to be rationalized, integrated and operated in a coordinated system, for efficiency and affordability of people’s mobility and goods.” She emphasized the importance of efficient urban transport systems in enhancing social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
Speaking on the current reforms in both the formal and informal sectors of the transportation structure of the State, Mrs. Agbonlahor highlighted some of Obaseki-led government’s achievements to include the construction of bus depot and terminal for the State-owned transport service; design and allocation of lands for the development of two Truck Transit Parks within the State, on a Public Private Partnership arrangement; establishment of the Edo State Transport Authority (EDSTA) by law in 2018; the re-organization and re-branding of the Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA), for efficient traffic management in the State; Construction and maintenance of inter-city and intra-city roads, including feeder roads, to enhance seamless mobility in the State.
Mrs. Agbonlahor listed other achievements to be the construction of an ultra-modern Central Bus Terminal for the operation of over 2,000 commercial vehicles, thereby enhancing the safety, comfort and quality of service within the informal sector; the registration and profiling of over 8,000 commercial drivers or owners of vehicles as well as the issuance of security code stickers to profiled drivers; automated unified revenue or tax collection system to reduce double taxation, amongst others.
The event featured discussions on Motorization and Policy Infrastructure Development and how to make transportation more efficient and enjoyable, facilitated by the Chief Executive Officer of Ochenuell Mobility, Engr. Emmanuel John.
Dr. Ejem Ejem, an Associate Professor and Head of Supply Chain Management (CIOTA), delivered a lecture on urban transportation. The presentation was on ‘Population Growth and Urbanization: Evolving Accessibility and Mobility Challenges in Cities’ and other related topics.
Other speakers shared their expertise during the workshop, providing recommendations on actionable plans that include developing plans that accommodate the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, bus rapid transit (BRT), the use of electric vehicles, and designing sustainable roads that prioritize cycling and pedestrian pathways, including accessible walkways for people with disabilities. They posited that the recommendations aimed to promote environmentally-friendly and inclusive transportation solutions.
The programme was attended by dignitaries and stakeholders drawn from the Edo State Government and the private sector, including; the Managing Director of EDSTMA, Mr. Dennis Oloriegbe; a representative from the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Ronald Edebor; a representative from the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), Mr. Ovikute Lugard; a representative from the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, Mr. Philip Ighodalo; and representatives from Ochenuell Mobility, Abuja, Nigeria, among others.
The high point of the event was the presentation of certificates to participants who successfully completed the programme.
