The Enugu State Government has unveiled a comprehensive transport reform initiative featuring a new State Transport Management System, five state-of-the-art bus terminals, and the rollout of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. The multi-billion-naira project, inaugurated on Thursday in Enugu by Governor Peter Mbah, is projected to create 20,000 direct and indirect jobs while reducing transportation costs for residents by over 40%.
The new bus terminals, strategically located at Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa, and Nsukka, are designed to handle millions of commuters annually and improve travel comfort across the state. Each terminal boasts fully air-conditioned halls, eateries, lodging facilities, fuel stations, covered walkways, solar-powered security lighting, and surveillance cameras.
Governor Mbah described the projects as a “landmark step” towards his administration’s vision of positioning Enugu as a modern economic hub. He said the initiatives would contribute to expanding the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to $30 billion and Nigeria’s GDP to $1 trillion over the next six years.
“These projects are not just about transportation; they are about economic transformation, urban renewal, and improving the quality of life for our people,” Mbah stated. “The CNG buses will serve schools, markets, and major urban corridors, ensuring affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in our transport sector.”
Mbah also announced plans to deploy 2,000 hybrid vehicles to complement the CNG fleet, while confirming that other infrastructure such as remodeled bus stops, newly constructed roads, and an electronic ticketing system to curb revenue leakages are already in place.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that it provided the policy space for states to innovate in their transport sectors. “The removal of fuel subsidy has freed resources and created opportunities for creative solutions like this, built on 21st-century infrastructure,” the governor said.
Highlighting future plans, Mbah disclosed that Enugu recently launched “Enugu Air” and is in advanced stages of introducing rail services and waterway transport systems. “All these projects have the safety, dignity, and convenience of our people as their top priority,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, said the newly inaugurated terminals could handle over 10 million commuters each year and provide a “home away from home” for travellers. He emphasised that the modern facilities would serve as benchmarks for other states in Nigeria, noting that they were built with “quality, durability, and user comfort” in mind.
Chairman of Enugu North Council Area, Dr. Ibekaku Onoh, lauded the governor for bringing order, aesthetics, and employment to the state’s transport sector, while also linking the reforms to other developmental strides in healthcare, education, and security.
With the launch of the CNG buses, Enugu joins the growing list of Nigerian states adopting cleaner and more sustainable transport systems. Analysts say the combination of modern infrastructure, alternative fuel technology, and job creation potential could make the initiative a model for other regions aiming to modernise public transportation.
