By Benson Daniel
The Akwa Ibom State Government has taken delivery of 40 Compressed Natural Gas buses under its mass transit programme, strengthening efforts to provide residents with more affordable and efficient transportation.
The latest batch of 10 buses arrived in Uyo on Monday, bringing the total number delivered to 40 out of the 50 buses planned by the state government.
The mass transit initiative is designed to ease the financial burden of transportation on residents at a time when rising mobility costs continue to affect households, workers, traders and businesses.
The state government said the acquisition of the buses reflects its commitment to improving public transportation and providing residents with a more reliable alternative for movement within the state.
The Commissioner for Transport, Anthony Luke, who received the latest batch, said the delivery demonstrated the administration’s commitment to addressing transportation challenges facing residents.
He also disclosed that work was progressing on the CNG terminal that will support the operation of the buses. The terminal is expected to provide the necessary infrastructure for the efficient deployment and maintenance of the CNG powered fleet.
With 40 buses already delivered, the state has achieved 80 per cent of its target, while the remaining 10 buses are expected to arrive soon.
The government believes that the introduction of CNG buses will help reduce operating costs compared with conventional fuel powered vehicles, creating an opportunity for more affordable fares when the mass transit system becomes fully operational.
The initiative is also expected to improve connectivity between communities and major urban centres, particularly as the state continues to invest in road construction and rehabilitation.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Essien Ndueso, said the arrival of the buses represented progress towards fulfilling the administration’s transportation commitments.
He noted that the mass transit programme would complement the state’s expanding road network, which is expected to facilitate smoother movement of people and goods across different parts of Akwa Ibom.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Aniefiok George, said the programme had generated considerable interest among residents because of its potential to reduce transportation expenses.
For many households, transportation remains a significant component of monthly expenditure, particularly as increases in fuel and vehicle operating costs have translated into higher fares across different routes.
The government’s decision to deploy CNG buses is therefore expected to provide some relief while supporting a more structured public transportation system.
The move also aligns with Nigeria’s wider transition towards alternative vehicle fuels as governments and private operators explore ways of reducing dependence on petrol and lowering transportation costs.
Beyond affordability, the deployment of the buses could contribute to a more organised mass transit system by providing residents with scheduled and relatively predictable transportation services.
The state government is expected to complete the delivery of the remaining 10 buses and finalise supporting infrastructure before the full rollout of the programme.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could provide a significant boost to public transportation in Akwa Ibom and help improve mobility for residents, workers and businesses.
The government has also indicated that the combination of the new buses, CNG infrastructure and improved road networks will create better conditions for movement across the state.
The development comes as state governments across Nigeria continue to seek practical measures to cushion the effects of rising transportation costs and improve access to affordable mobility for their residents.
Leave a comment