The President of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Prof. Muhammad Bashar Nuhu, has called for the establishment of light rail systems across Nigeria’s regions to improve accessibility, ease transportation and promote sustainable urban development.
Nuhu made the call at the Nigeria Urban Dialogue, organised by UN-Habitat in collaboration with Hipcity Innovation Centre as part of activities marking Urban October 2026.
Speaking during a panel session themed, “Does the City Around Our Homes Work for Us?”, the NES president stressed the importance of investing in efficient public transportation systems and other critical infrastructure to improve citizens’ quality of life and living standards.
He noted that sustainable urban development requires more than the provision of residential buildings, emphasising that adequate housing must be complemented by reliable transportation networks and supporting infrastructure.
According to him, effective transportation systems are essential for connecting residential communities to workplaces, essential services, economic opportunities and other parts of urban centres.
His contribution highlighted the need for increased investment in public transportation, particularly light rail networks, as well as improved connectivity and accessibility across Nigeria’s cities and regions.
The discussions also underscored the importance of integrated urban planning that considers housing, transportation and essential infrastructure as interconnected components of sustainable city development.
Nuhu’s position reinforced the need for a holistic approach to urban development capable of creating inclusive, accessible, functional and liveable cities.
The NES president’s advocacy aligns with the broader objective of promoting sustainable urban environments where efficient mobility, adequate housing and access to essential services contribute to improved living conditions and the overall well-being of citizens.
