GreenLight Initiative, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Road Safety NGOs, is pleased to share important findings on pedestrian safety following a Mobility Snapshot campaign conducted in Abuja. This assessment, undertaken as part of an international advocacy effort, focused on the Utako Market intersection on A.E. Ekukinam Street, a high-traffic area with critical pedestrian challenges. The initiative’s Programs and Grants Officer, Stephen Adebayo, led the assessment and shared insights on the urgent need for safer walking environments in Nigerian cities.

“As Nigerian cities grow, creating safe, accessible, and sustainable spaces for all road users becomes increasingly urgent. Pedestrian walkability plays a central role in achieving these goals by supporting public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity. However, in cities across Nigeria, motorized transport often takes precedence, and pedestrian needs are largely overlooked,” Adebayo remarked.

The snapshot revealed that approximately 1,488 people navigate the Utako Market intersection on foot during peak hours, yet face serious safety challenges. Key findings included vehicles consistently traveling above 30 km/h, limited pedestrian infrastructure, and frequent pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Additionally, walkways are often blocked by parked cars, forcing pedestrians into the road and into unsafe conditions. The absence of basic safety features like zebra crossings and speed-calming measures further exacerbates the risk.

Responding to these findings, GreenLight Initiative launched a six-month campaign in August 2024, aiming to advocate for safer pedestrian environments. With support from the Global Alliance for Road Safety NGOs, this campaign promotes a 30 km/h speed limit, introduces traffic-calming measures, and encourages the installation of pedestrian infrastructure, especially around high-risk areas like Utako Market. Key activities of the campaign have included awareness efforts through radio and social media, community engagement with Utako Market management, collaborative campaigns with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and meetings with governmental stakeholders.

“The press conference presents the current situation of pedestrian safety in Nigeria. We call for collaborative efforts to make pedestrian safety a priority across Nigeria, especially for vulnerable road users,” Adebayo emphasized. He further noted that creating walkable, pedestrian-friendly environments can not only reduce traffic congestion and pollution but also promote health and social equity, benefiting all citizens.

GreenLight Initiative remains dedicated to advocating for change but acknowledges the need for support from policymakers, urban planners, and communities alike. With ongoing support, these efforts can help ensure a safer, more walkable future for millions of Nigerians who rely on walking as their primary mode of transportation.

Patience Agabi 

Communication Officer, GreenLight Initiative