Without functional public transportation, pedestrian–friendly policies, regulations and urban compactness (the distance between residential, commercial facilities and institutions in a city), Abuja cannot become a walkable city. What is preventing Abuja policymakers from enacting these changes? Well, the greatest opponent to walkability is car dependency. Abuja, unlike other Nigerian cities, was the first city developed from a blueprint created from 1976–1979. Its master plan relied heavily on cars as the main mode of transportation. This car–centric pattern is common in African cities where 70% of urban populations use walking as their primary transportation.
Nowadays, it is crucial for urban places, like Abuja, to transition into walkable cities for the purpose of equity and environmental sustainability. Those who cannot use cars are typically poor, elderly, disabled or children. Walkability ensures that these individuals are protected. Currently, these residents may use commercial motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke) when traveling longer distances. However, these vehicles are not allowed in some regions of the city, so they must walk the rest of their commute. To use two different types of transportation is known as intermodal. Quality public transit systems like buses would provide residents with automotive transportation with longer travel routes at an affordable price. Additionally, public transportation reduces traffic congestion, air pollution and energy consumption per traveler! Overall, this lowers the ecological footprint of the area!
