NAWOJ South–South Calls for Urgent Overhaul of Nigeria’s Transport Systems on World Sustainable Transport Day
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), South–South Zone, has urged urgent and collective action to overhaul Nigeria’s transportation systems, warning that the very systems meant to sustain lives are increasingly threatening the future.
This call was made in a statement signed by the Zonal Vice Chairperson, Comrade Stella Macaulay, and the Zonal Secretary, Comrade Eunice Emeyazia, to commemorate the first-ever World Sustainable Transport Day.
According to NAWOJ, the South–South region of Nigeria is already on the frontlines of climate devastation, experiencing severe flooding, coastal erosion, degraded farmlands, collapsing infrastructure, and deepening poverty. The statement noted that the transport crisis disproportionately affects women, children, and low-income families, as unsafe roads, unaffordable fares, poor connectivity, and polluted air continue to erode opportunities, health, and dignity across communities.
The Zonal leaders described the United Nations General Assembly’s designation of November 26 as World Sustainable Transport Day as timely and significant, acknowledging the growing challenges in the movement of people and goods across cities, waterways, roads, rails and air routes. They warned that without urgent reform, these challenges could jeopardize both present and future generations.
While underscoring the central role of transport as “the beating heart of every society” — connecting families, driving commerce, enabling education, and powering national development — NAWOJ expressed concern over the sector’s rising greenhouse gas emissions. They, however, pointed to global innovations demonstrating that clean, sustainable transport is achievable. Examples include cities adopting efficient public transport systems, the rise of electric and solar-powered vehicles, the aviation sector’s shift to renewable fuels, and the growing use of carbon pricing to drive low-carbon alternatives.
Reaffirming their support for the United Nations’ global call, NAWOJ South–South emphasized the need for integrated transport systems that prioritize safety, accessibility, resilience, and environmental responsibility. This includes investment in reliable railways, highways, waterways and ports; reducing energy consumption; lowering emissions; and ensuring no community — rural or urban — is left behind.
NAWOJ South–South urged governments at all levels, the private sector, development partners, and civil society organizations to:
- Invest massively in sustainable, affordable and safe public transportation.
- Accelerate the transition to low-emission and renewable-energy transport systems.
- Integrate women’s voices and expertise in transport planning, policy development and implementation.
- Expand rural–urban connectivity to reduce poverty, enhance inclusion, and empower marginalized communities.
- Prioritize accountability and transparency in transport infrastructure projects to ensure environmental and social safeguards.
The association called on all Nigerians to reflect, act, and advocate for a cleaner, safer, and more equitable transport system. It stressed that the South–South region — rich in potential, resources and resilience — must not remain bound to outdated and damaging transport models.
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), South–South Zone
