Ogun Transport Commissioner Sounds Alarm on Urban Mobility Crisis, Urges Swift Action Nationwide
The Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation and Chairman of the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners Forum (NTCF), Engr. Gbenga Dairo, has called on state governments across the country to urgently accelerate the implementation of urban mobility projects, warning that Nigeria’s cities are fast approaching a transport breaking point.
Engr. Dairo made the call at the National Urban Mobility Program (NUMP) stakeholders’ forum held in Abuja over the weekend, where policymakers, transport experts, and development partners reviewed Nigeria’s preparedness for rapid urban growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s urban population is projected to exceed 264 million by 2050—more than double its current size—posing severe challenges for already strained transport systems. He noted that residents of major cities currently lose as much as four hours daily to traffic congestion, while low-income earners are forced to spend a disproportionate share of their income on transportation.
“The cost of inaction is enormous. Urban mobility must be treated as an emergency if we are serious about productivity, inclusion, and quality of life,” Dairo said.
The forum drew participation from state commissioners of transportation, federal government officials, and international development partners. World Bank Country Director, Mathew Vergis, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s urban transport transformation through funding, technical assistance, and advisory services.
Similarly, the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, emphasized the importance of clear financing frameworks, sustainable maintenance plans, and effective coordination among stakeholders to guarantee successful project execution.
Under Engr. Dairo’s leadership, the NTCF directed all states to submit “shovel-ready” urban mobility projects for consideration under Phase One of NUMP investments. States were also advised to integrate existing Nigeria Public Transportation Program (NPTP) assets—such as transport terminals, rail infrastructure, and compressed natural gas (CNG) facilities—to maximize efficiency and impact.
In addition, states that have not completed the mandatory NUMP engagement surveys were instructed to do so without delay, as part of efforts to streamline planning and implementation.
The summit featured active contributions from several states, with detailed presentations from Cross River, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, and Lagos helping to shape the next phase of the National Urban Mobility Program.
Engr. Dairo concluded by urging all states to move decisively, stressing that timely action is critical to building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban transport systems capable of meeting Nigeria’s future population demands while leveraging international partnerships.
