Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State introduced 100 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses on Thursday. He said the new transport system will help create at least 20,000 jobs and grow the economy of both Enugu State and Nigeria.
The governor spoke in Enugu while launching the New Enugu Transport Management System. He also opened five modern bus terminals located in Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa, and Nsukka, along with the new CNG buses.
He explained that these projects would help grow Enugu’s economy to \$30 billion and the national economy to \$1 trillion within the next six years.
Mbah said the projects are part of his promise to the people to provide modern infrastructure. These improvements are meant to grow the economy and improve people’s quality of life.
He added that the buses would offer cheaper and more convenient transport for people. Other supporting infrastructure is already in place to ensure everything works smoothly.
The governor praised President Bola Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy, saying that move made these projects possible. He said the new transport system is based on modern infrastructure that will benefit the people.
He also thanked the state’s Commissioner for Transport, the contractors, and everyone else who worked hard to complete the projects on time.
Mbah said transportation is very important for development. It affects all areas of life and helps improve the way people live and think.
He also shared that the state will introduce 2,000 hybrid vehicles to work alongside the CNG buses, which are air-conditioned and accessible for people with disabilities.
The governor mentioned that the CNG buses will cover routes to schools and higher institutions.
He said the buses would help reduce transport costs for families by more than 40%. They will also operate along routes leading to markets and key public places near schools and institutions.
He added that all bus stops in Enugu city are being upgraded. Many roads have already been rebuilt across the city and other parts of the state.
A new electronic ticketing system has been introduced to prevent fraud and misuse of funds in the transport system.
A few weeks ago, the state also launched Enugu Air. Plans are in progress to introduce rail and water transport. All these efforts focus on keeping people safe and treating them with dignity.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, said the new terminals are expected to serve more than 10 million passengers each year. The terminals will also offer comfort to travelers during long trips or breaks.
He explained that each terminal has an air-conditioned hall, TV screens, places to eat, guest rooms, fuel stations, covered walkways, solar-powered lights, and security cameras.
Ozor praised the governor for his clear vision and commitment to high standards, saying the projects will help make Enugu a model state in modern infrastructure.
In a welcome speech, Dr. Ibenaku Onoh, Chairman of Enugu North Council Area, thanked the governor for bringing order, beauty, jobs, and comfort with the two new bus terminals in the Holy Ghost area.
Onoh also appreciated other development projects like the smart schools, modern healthcare centers, surveillance cameras, and increased security across the state.
