The project extends beyond the acquisition of buses to include the construction of an ultra modern terminal in Uyo, sub stations in all 31 LGAs
By James Akan
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Published on July 2, 2026
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6 min read
The Akwa Ibom State Government has showcased the first batch of 20 newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to a delegation of media practitioners led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Mr. Nsibiet John, reaffirming Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to delivering a modern, integrated and environmentally sustainable mass transportation system for the people of the state.
The inspection tour, held at the Government House, Uyo, was led by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, PhD, alongside the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Anthony Luke, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh.
Other dignitaries present included the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Dias Project Limited, Mr. Alexandro Selefteriadis; representative of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Mr. Ime Uwah; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Mr. Amos Etuk; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso; representatives of civil society organisations led by Barr. Clifford Thomas; members of the NUJ State Executive Council; and other journalists.
Welcoming the media delegation, Hon Umanah explained that the visit followed a request by the NUJ leadership to inspect the buses after their arrival from Turkey and to provide journalists with firsthand information on the project amid public interest and speculation.
He described the CNG bus initiative as a flagship component of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, noting that the integrated transportation system is designed to provide safe, affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation services across all 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
According to the Information Commissioner, Governor Umo Eno approved the procurement of 50 factory-built brand new CNG buses, with the first batch of 20 already delivered to the state, while the remaining buses are expected in line with the delivery schedule through july and August, 2026.
He noted that the project extends beyond the acquisition of buses to include the construction of an ultra modern terminal in Uyo , sub stations in all 31 LGAs bus sheds , driver training academy, maintenance workshops, car wash facilities, CNG refuelling stations and other supporting infrastructure required to operate a world-class mass transit system.
Dispelling rumours that the buses were refurbished, Rt. Hon. Umanah maintained that they were manufactured specifically for Akwa Ibom State at the Isuzu production facility in Turkey.
“We have complete documentation of the manufacturing process, production line and factory inspections.
The buses are brand-new, factory-built vehicles. We invited members of the media to inspect them firsthand so that the public can be properly informed,” he said.
He added that the state government remains committed to transparency and accountability in the execution of major public projects.
Speaking during the inspection, the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Anthony Luke, described the project as a milestone in the state’s transportation history and one that places Akwa Ibom at the forefront of clean energy-driven public transportation in Nigeria.
He recalled visiting the Isuzu manufacturing plant in Turkey, where he witnessed the production and inspection of the buses, explaining that production commenced on January 2, 2026, after the completion of the company’s existing production schedule.
“I speak as an eyewitness because I was there.I witnessed the production process and the quality inspections. What Akwa Ibom people are seeing today is genuine. These are brand-new buses manufactured specifically for our state,” he said.
Dr. Luke commended Governor Umo Eno for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to providing a transportation system that meets global standards while improving mobility and reducing the cost of transportation for residents.
Providing technical details, the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Dias Project, Mr. Alexandro Selefteriadis, clarified that the buses delivered to Akwa Ibom are original factory-built CNG buses powered by Cummins CNG engines and not diesel buses converted to run on gas.
He explained that while many CNG buses operating in Nigeria and across West Africa are converted from diesel engines, the Akwa Ibom fleet was designed and manufactured from the factory specifically for CNG operations, making it one of the most advanced public transport fleets on the continent.
Mr. Selefteriadis disclosed that the integrated transport network will connect all 31 Local Government Areas through strategically planned routes linking major towns, including Uyo, Abak, Oron and other commercial centres, while also providing seamless connections to the Victor Attah International Airport.
He added that the transport terminals currently under construction will serve as modern operational hubs equipped with passenger facilities, maintenance centres, driver training schools and CNG refuelling stations to ensure efficient service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the media delegation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Mr. Nsibiet John, commended Governor Umo Eno for what he described as a bold and innovative investment in the transportation sector.
He noted that the introduction of the state-owned CNG buses reflects the Governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people through affordable, safe and environmentally friendly transportation.
Mr. John lauded the administration for opening the project to public scrutiny by inviting journalists to inspect the buses firsthand, describing the gesture as a demonstration of transparency and accountability in governance.
He assured the Governor that the media would continue to partner with the Akwa Ibom State Government in ensuring effective, balanced and accurate reportage of government programmes and policies for the benefit of the public.
Following the briefing, members of the media inspected the buses and interacted with government officials and project consultants before embarking on a demonstration ride to experience the comfort, safety features and quality of the new fleet.
The inspection afforded journalists the opportunity to verify the originality of the buses and gain firsthand knowledge of the procurement process, technical specifications and implementation strategy of the state’s CNG mass transit programme.
With the arrival of the first batch of buses and the ongoing construction of supporting infrastructure, the Akwa Ibom State Government says it is on course to deliver a modern, efficient and sustainable transportation system that will transform mobility, stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents across the state.
The initiative underscores the Umo Eno administration’s resolve to build a cleaner, safer and more efficient transport network as part of the broader ARISE Agenda for sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State.
