The Akwa Ibom State Government has taken delivery of another 10 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, bringing the number of buses delivered under Governor Umo Eno’s mass transit programme to 40.
The latest batch arrived in Uyo on Monday, August 10, bringing the state to 80 per cent of its target of 50 buses, with the remaining 10 expected to arrive soon.
The programme is aimed at providing residents with a more affordable and efficient public transportation system as rising transport costs continue to place pressure on households, workers and businesses.
Receiving the buses, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Anthony Luke, said the delivery demonstrates Governor Eno’s commitment to addressing the transportation needs of residents.
He said the government is complementing the acquisition of the buses with supporting infrastructure, noting that work on the CNG terminal is progressing and remains on schedule for completion.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, described the delivery as further evidence of the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its transportation promise.
“The Governor promised that 50 buses would be procured to boost transportation, and today, we have seen 40 of those buses arrive,” Ndueso said.
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He said the mass transit programme would also benefit from the expansion of the state’s road network, noting that ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects would facilitate movement between communities.
“Beyond these buses, if you go around Akwa Ibom State, you will see a good network of roads that will ensure smooth movement across the nooks and crannies of the State,” he stated.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Aniefiok George, said the programme has generated interest among residents because of its potential to ease the burden of transportation costs.
“Akwa Ibom people are happy because they know that this will bring relief and reduce the cost of transportation,” George said.
With 40 of the 50 buses now delivered and work progressing on the CNG terminal, the state government is moving closer to the rollout of a mass transit system designed to reduce transportation costs and improve connectivity across Akwa Ibom State.
