Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibomites yesterday, flagged off the construction of the Ibom CNG Mass Transit Terminal at Ikot Ekpe Offot in Uyo metropolis.

The project, is described by residents as a bold step to revolutionise public transportation and stimulate economic growth across the State.

The Governor performed during the flagg-off described the terminal as a world-class transport hub that will ease movement, lower the cost of living, expand tourism, and strengthen the State’s economy.

He said, the project is part of his administration’s commitment to link all 31 local government areas to the capital city through modern, safe and affordable transport system.

“From here our people will be driven through our well-paved roads to all the 31 local government areas. We have already ordered and paid for 50 luxury CNG buses through the Central Bank of Nigeria, and they will start arriving in April,” the Governor said, and commended the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Anthony Luke, for the speedy preparation of the once-abandoned site, which he said had become a haven for criminals and miscreants.

“When we first visited this place, it was not a good sight. But today, it has been cleared and prepared to receive a world-class bus terminal,” he stated.

Highlighting the economic benefits of the project, the Governor said the terminal would incorporate gas stations, training schools for technicians, and engage over 500 drivers, in addition to creating multiple support jobs.

He said, “If transportation is brought down, everything comes down. We are trying to reduce the cost of living and make movement easy for our people.
This is not just a terminal; it is a complete transport ecosystem,” he added.

Governor Eno also disclosed that, the State is simultaneously expanding marine and aviation transport infrastructure, including a marine terminal and warehouse in Oron, with two marine boats already ordered, one from the Nigerian Navy and another from a Lagos-based firm.

Commissioner for Transport, Dr Anthony Luke, while presenting an overview of the project explained that, the terminal would include: a technical training college, loading bays, ticketing offices, restaurant serving local and national cuisines, an automated car wash, high-tech surveillance systems, and a police post.

The Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo in his goodwill message praised Governor Eno’s pragmatic leadership noting that, the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

He said the use of gas would promote environmental sustainability, reduce transportation costs, and ensure energy security, pledging the Federal Government’s support through the provision of CNG mother stations for the State.

Earlier, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, commended the Governor for collaborating with the Federal Government to introduce clean energy transport system, describing the project as a catalyst for job creation and community development.

The Ibom CNG Mass Transit Terminal, when completed, will redefine public transportation in Akwa Ibom State and re-position the State as a model for sustainable, affordable and modern mass transit in Nigeria.