Engineers play a crucial role in addressing road infrastructure challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and improved mobility for residents of Lagos State.
Technical Adviser on Public Transport (Road and Infrastructure) at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Adeyemi Adeniji gave this submission at a public lecture organized by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN Lagos Chapter in collaboration with LAMATA with the theme: “Sustaining Lagos State Road Transport Infrastructure: Role of Professional Engineers”
Adeniji emphasized that the capacity of Lagos roads has been exhausted due to rapid urbanization. He noted that with the state’s population estimated at 32 million, existing road networks struggle to accommodate the growing demand, leading to congestion, inadequate public transport, and infrastructural stress.
He stressed that engineers must take a leading role in designing innovative solutions to address these challenges, noting that engineers are responsible for conducting thorough site analysis and traffic studies to design roads that accommodate population growth and traffic demand effectively.
Adeniji also highlighted the need for integrated flood control measures into road construction to ensure durability and prevent road damage.
As part of efforts to modernize transportation. He explained that engineers must design interchanges that seamlessly connect different transport modes, including buses, ferries, and rail, to improve commuter experience.
According to the Technical Adviser, sustainable road development must be prioritized through the implementation of green infrastructure, such as solar-powered traffic signals and environmentally friendly transport solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that materials used in construction meet high standards, while strict adherence to safety regulations must be enforced to minimize road accidents.
Beyond construction and planning, Adeniji stressed the need for public education on proper road usage, including adherence to traffic signs and safe commuting practices.
Chairperson of APWEN Lagos Chapter, Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, echoed this sentiment, stating that road safety education is essential in reducing accidents and improving overall traffic management.
She reaffirmed APWEN Lagos’s commitment to championing initiatives that promote better road infrastructure and awareness campaigns.