GreenLight Initiative and FRSC Partner to Promote Pedestrian Safety at Utako Market, Abuja

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

GreenLight Initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and with support from the Global Alliance for Road Safety NGOs launched a street campaign at Utako Market, Abuja, to promote pedestrian safety.

The initiative is part of the global #CommitToAct campaign, aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, and advocating for safer roads.

A statement signed by Communication Officer, GreenLight Initiative Patience Agabi
Noted that the campaign focuses on three key areas to improve pedestrian safety around the busy Utako Market which include advocating for a 30 km/h speed limit in high-risk areas to reduce the risk of fatal accidents.

They advocate for the provision of adequate pedestrian infrastructure such as marked crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian bridges to ensure safe passage for the large volume of foot traffic in the area and lowering overall vehicle speed through effective traffic-calming measures, such as speed bumps, warning signs, and better enforcement of traffic rules.

The street campaign follows a road safety assessment conducted at the market and an interim meeting held between GreenLight Initiative and the management of Utako Market, which revealed critical road safety concerns.

Over 1,488 pedestrians navigate the market area during peak hours, yet the current infrastructure fails to provide sufficient protection for them. High vehicle speeds and the absence of designated pedestrian facilities were flagged as major hazards during the campaign’s Mobility Snapshot project.

Stephen Adebayo, Programs and Grant Officer at GreenLight Initiative emphasized the urgency of the campaign, saying: “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 people navigating the market daily, we need to make sure the environment is safe for everyone, especially pedestrians.

“ Advocating for the 30 km/h speed limit is essential, as reducing speed significantly lowers the chances of serious injuries or fatalities in case of an accident. The provision of proper pedestrian infrastructure, such as walkways and crosswalks, will also make the area safer for everyone.”

He added: “We are thankful for the strong support from the FRSC and the Global Alliance for Road Safety NGOs. This partnership will strengthen our efforts to advocate for policy changes and infrastructure improvements that will benefit not just Utako Market, but all high-risk areas in Abuja and across Nigeria.”

GreenLight Initiative remains dedicated to its mission of promoting road safety, public health, and sustainable development, with the ultimate goal of reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities in Nigeria.