Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has announced that the newly launched Enugu Transport Management System is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs and significantly boost the state’s economy.
Mbah disclosed this in Enugu while inaugurating the New Enugu Transport Management System and five modern bus terminals located at Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa, and Nsukka. The event also featured the rollout of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease transportation challenges in the state.
He said the projects would help increase Enugu State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to $30 billion and contribute to growing Nigeria’s GDP to $1 trillion within the next six years.
According to him, the projects are part of the promises he made during his campaign to provide world-class infrastructure that would not only boost the economy but also improve the living standards of residents.
The governor noted that the initiatives would provide residents with cheaper, more accessible, and seamless transportation, supported by other infrastructure already in place.
“I must commend President Bola Tinubu, whose vision and wisdom in removing fuel subsidy have paved the way for these projects and the transition to a modern transport system based on 21st-century infrastructure and services for our people.
“I also appreciate the state’s Commissioner for Transport for his efforts in making these projects a reality, as well as the contractors and everyone involved in ensuring their timely delivery.
“It is a reality that transport remains the central pillar of modernisation and a measure of the people’s progress, touching every aspect of human life and influencing the way people think,” he said.
Mbah further revealed that the state would soon roll out 2,000 hybrid vehicles to complement the air-conditioned, disability-friendly CNG buses, which would serve routes leading to schools and higher institutions.
“The CNG buses will reduce household transport expenses by over 40% and will also operate along markets and other major locations on the school routes.
“We are remodeling all bus stops within Enugu metropolis, rebuilding major roads in the metropolis and other key cities in the state, and implementing a modern transport e-ticketing system to curb leakages and manipulation.
“A few weeks ago, we launched Enugu Air, and plans are at an advanced stage to introduce rail and waterway transport. All these projects prioritise the safety and dignity of our people,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, said the newly inaugurated terminals could serve over 10 million commuters annually, offering comfort for passengers during or after long journeys.
He explained that each terminal is equipped with a fully air-conditioned hall, television screens, eateries, lodging facilities, fuel stations, sunscreen-covered walkways, solar-powered security lights, and surveillance cameras.
“These projects reflect the clear vision of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, to make Enugu State a model and reference point in modern infrastructure. We thank you, Your Excellency, for insisting on quality and excellence,” Ozor said.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Enugu North Council Area, Dr. Ibekaku Onoh, thanked the governor for bringing order, aesthetics, employment opportunities, and one-stop transport facilities to the state, especially with the two terminals in the Holy Ghost area of Enugu.
“We deeply appreciate all developmental efforts, which include these terminals, smart schools, Type-2 smart primary healthcare centres, surveillance cameras, and enhanced security, among others,” Onoh said.
