By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, flagged off the construction of the Ibom Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mass Transit Terminal at Ikot Ekpe Offot, Uyo, announcing the purchase of 50 luxury CNG buses to service all 31 local government areas of the state.
Performing the flag-off at the project site, Governor Eno said the initiative is part of his administration’s broader plan to deliver a world-class transportation system that will ease intra-state movement, stimulate economic activities and enhance tourism in Akwa Ibom.
According to him, the terminal will serve as a central hub linking the state capital to all local government areas through a modern, affordable and environmentally friendly mass transit system.
“We are determined to provide a world-class transport system that will make movement easier for our people, connect all the 31 local government areas to Uyo, and boost our economy and tourism,” the governor said.
Governor Eno commended the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Anthony Luke, for the speedy preparation of the site, noting that the area had previously been abandoned and used as a hideout for criminals.
“Some of you remember when we first visited this site; it was not a good sight. Today, it has been cleared and prepared to receive a world-class bus terminal. From here, our people will be transported through our well-paved roads to the 31 local government areas,” he stated.
The governor disclosed that all 50 CNG buses have been fully ordered and paid for through the Central Bank of Nigeria and are expected to start arriving in April 2026. He described the buses as luxurious and suitable for safe, efficient and affordable mass transportation across the state.
Highlighting the economic significance of the project, Governor Eno said the terminal would include gas stations, technical training facilities and create employment for about 500 drivers, in addition to other support staff.
“We are trying to bring down the cost of living. Once transportation costs come down, everything else comes down. Our goal is to ensure our people travel with ease while stabilising the economy,” he said.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to a holistic transportation reform, covering road, marine and air transport. He disclosed that work on the marine terminal in Oron is at an advanced stage, alongside the construction of a warehouse and the procurement of two marine boats.
Presenting an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Anthony Luke, thanked the governor for transforming what was once a criminal hideout into a strategic asset for the state. He explained that the terminal would feature a technical college for training technicians, a loading bay, ticketing offices, a world-class restaurant serving local cuisine, an automated car wash, a high-security surveillance system and a police station.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended Governor Eno’s leadership, describing him as a visionary and peace-loving leader. He said the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in mitigating the effects of fuel subsidy removal through cleaner and cheaper energy alternatives.
The minister noted that the use of gas would promote environmental sustainability and reduce transportation costs, adding that Nigeria’s vast gas reserves make CNG a viable long-term solution. He pledged federal support for the project, including the provision of CNG mother stations to enhance its sustainability.
Earlier, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, applauded Governor Eno for collaborating with the Federal Government, noting that the CNG initiative aligns with national efforts to promote clean energy, reduce transportation costs and create employment opportunities for host communities and the state at large.
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