Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off the construction of the Ibom CNG Mass Transit Terminal at Ikot Ekpe Offot, Uyo.
Governor Eno performed the flag-off on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the terminal premises, saying that his administration plans to provide a world-class transport facility to ease movement within the State, improve the State’s economy, and boost tourism.
He said the determination to provide a world-class transport system was 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.
He commended the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Anthony Luke, for his diligence and speedy preparation of the site for the commencement of the project.
“I thank the Honourable Commissioner for Transport for the work they have done here. Some of you remember when we first visited this site, it was not a good sight. Like the Commissioner has said, it was abandoned and became a living abode for touts and criminals. But today, it has been well cleared and prepared to receive a world-class bus terminal.
“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.
Highlighting the economic importance of the project, Governor Eno commended the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem 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 all Akwa Ibomites. If transportation is brought down, 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, Hon. Luke thanked the Governor for transforming the area, which was once a criminal hideout, into a valuable asset for the benefit of the State.
He noted that the project is designed with a technical college for the training of technicians, five hundred 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), Obongemem 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.
He pledged to support the initiative by providing CNG mother stations to help the State realize its dream for the transport sector.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, commended Governor Eno for collaborating with the Federal Government, as the CNG transportation vision aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to promote cleaner energy, reduce the cost of transportation, and create opportunities for indigenes of the host communities and the State in general.
