Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno during the launch of the CNG buses transit scheme in Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the purchase of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of efforts to ease urban transportation in the state.
The buses which have been fully paid for through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are expected to arrive in April.
Governor Umo Eno, who made this known while launching the scheme in Uyo said it was intended to boost the state’s mass transit scheme.
Eno said it was the first step in providing “a world-class transport facility to ease movement within the State, improve the State’s economy, and boost tourism.”
According to him, a world-class transport system is part of efforts to ease citizens’ movement by linking all the 31 Local Government Areas of the State to the capital city, while boosting the economy and tourism potential of the State.
“From here, our people are going to be driven through our very well-paved and constructed roads to the 31 Local Government Areas.
“All the 50 CNG buses have already been ordered and paid for through the Central Bank of Nigeria, and they will start arriving in April this year.
“These are luxurious CNG buses that would be deployed to service all Local Government Areas to and fro,” he said.
Eno commended the Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, for his collaboration and support for the vision, as the project will incorporate gas stations, training schools for technicians, and engage about 500 drivers.
“We are trying to bring down the cost of living for our people, If the cost of transportation is reduced everything comes down and the economy will be stable.
“We want to make sure that our people travel with ease. We will work with the mass transit operators, we will work with the transport sector to realize this dream.
“This is not just a bus terminal, like the Commissioner for Transport has said. Other facilities will be here to make it comfortable. The management will be top-notch. We are working on our transportation system in this State, whether it is marine transportation or aviation. We are building a marine terminal in Oron, and work is at an advanced stage.
“We are building a warehouse there too. We have ordered two marine boats; one is being done by the Nigerian Navy, and another by a company in Lagos,” he said.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the State’s transportation system is improved.
Presenting an overview of the project, Commissioner for Transport, Anthony Luke, noted that the project was designed with a technical college for the training of technicians, 500 employment opportunities for drivers and ticketing officers, a loading bay, a world-class restaurant for local dishes, an automated car wash, a high-security surveillance system, and a police station.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended Governor Eno for his pragmatic leadership, describing him as a man of peace and vision who understands the needs of his people.
He noted that the project was a clear interpretation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision to ameliorate the effects of subsidy removal.
The Minister explained that environmental sustainability will be achieved with the use of gas and thanked Governor Eno for his impactful projects, noting that the project, once completed, will reduce the cost of transportation, preserve the environment, and ensure sustainability of energy supply, especially in Nigeria where there is a large gas reserve.
