ABUJA – GreenLight Initiative, in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and with the backing of the Global Alliance for Road Safety NGOs, inaugurated a street campaign at Utako Market, Abuja, to advocate for pedestrian safety.
This initiative is aligned with the global #CommitToAct movement, which aims to safeguard vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, and champion the cause for safer road conditions.
In a statement released by GreenLight Initiative’s Communication Officer, Patience Agabi, it was highlighted that the campaign is centered around three primary objectives to enhance pedestrian safety in the bustling Utako Market area.
These objectives include pushing for a 30 km/h speed limit in high-risk zones to mitigate the likelihood of fatal accidents.
Additionally, the campaign calls for the implementation of adequate pedestrian infrastructure such as designated crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian overpasses to ensure secure passage for the substantial pedestrian traffic in the vicinity.
It also emphasises the importance of reducing overall vehicle speed through the effective deployment of traffic-calming mechanisms like speed bumps, cautionary signage, and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
The street campaign comes on the heels of a comprehensive road safety assessment conducted at the market and a preliminary meeting held between GreenLight Initiative and the management of Utako Market, which brought to light critical road safety issues.
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Despite over 1,488 pedestrians traversing the market area during peak hours, the current infrastructure falls short in providing adequate protection for them.
The campaign’s Mobility Snapshot project identified high vehicle speeds and the absence of dedicated pedestrian facilities as significant hazards.
Stephen Adebayo, the Programmes and Grant Officer at GreenLight Initiative, underscored the urgency of the campaign, stating, “Our street campaign at Utako Market is a direct response to the alarming road safety challenges identified through our Mobility Snapshot project.
With thousands of individuals frequenting the market on a daily basis, it is imperative that we ensure a safe environment for all, particularly pedestrians.”
He further emphasized the importance of advocating for the 30 km/h speed limit, as reducing speed substantially diminishes the risk of severe injuries or fatalities in the event of an accident.
The provision of proper pedestrian infrastructure, such as walkways and crosswalks, will also contribute to making the area safer for everyone, he added.
“We are grateful for the unwavering support from the FRSC and the Global Alliance for Road Safety NGOs.
“This collaboration will bolster our endeavors to advocate for policy reforms and infrastructure enhancements that will not only benefit Utako Market but all high-risk zones in Abuja and across Nigeria,”he added.
GreenLight Initiative remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing road safety, public health, and sustainable development, with the overarching objective of reducing road traffic incidents and fatalities in Nigeria.
