The Federal Ministry of Transportation has encouraged Nigerians to consider bicycles as alternative means of commuting as part of efforts to drive a zero carbon emission target.
The Director, Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration, Musa Ibrahim, who stated this at a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held in Abuja, said the idea is to enhance and heighten the importance of cycling in Nigeria.
He said the World Bicycle Day recognises “the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport, fostering environmental stewardship and health” hence the United Nations 2023 World Bicycle Day theme: ‘Riding Together for a Sustainable Future’.
Speaking on the importance of cycling in Nigeria, a proponent for Non-Motorised Transportation, NMT, the Chief Executive Officer, Ochenuell Mobility, Emmanuel John, in his presentation titled ‘Power of Cycling’, argued that cycling initiative extends beyond efforts to address climate change through cut-down of carbon footprints.
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In addition, John brought to fore that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, countries in a study, among others, outlined that most African countries throw away 3% of their Gross Domestic Product, GDP, to traffic congestion annually.
He proposed that developing an NMT travel culture in the country through the adoption of Green Corridors is a panacea to some of the identified drawbacks.
