CNG Buses: A’Ibom Throws Open Procurement Process, Hosts Journalists To Independent Verification

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UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Government has opened its newly acquired fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to public scrutiny, with an invitation to journalists to physically inspect the vehicles.

The inspection, conducted at Government House, Uyo, was led by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, alongside the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Anthony Luke, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, following a request by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.

Addressing the media delegation, Umanah said the visit was intended to provide journalists with firsthand information on the project and counter claims that the buses were refurbished rather than newly manufactured.

He disclosed that Governor Umo Eno approved the purchase of 50 brand-new factory-built CNG buses, with the first batch of 20 already delivered from Turkey, while the remaining units are expected to arrive in July and August.

“The buses are brand-new, factory-built vehicles. We have complete documentation of the manufacturing process and invited the media to inspect them firsthand so the public can be properly informed,” Umanah said.

He explained that the buses form part of a wider integrated transport programme that includes the construction of a central terminal in Uyo, transit stations across the 31 local government areas, maintenance workshops, driver training facilities, CNG refuelling stations and other operational infrastructure.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Anthony Luke, said he personally witnessed the production and inspection of the buses at the Isuzu manufacturing plant in Turkey. Luke described the project as a major step toward modernising public transportation in the state.

In his words “I witnessed the production process and quality inspections. What Akwa Ibom people are seeing today is genuine. These buses were manufactured specifically for our state.”

Providing technical clarification, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Dias Project Limited, Mr. Alexandro Selefteriadis, said the fleet consists of original factory-built CNG buses powered by Cummins gas engines, stressing that they were not diesel vehicles later converted to run on compressed natural gas.

He added that the planned transport network will link all 31 local government areas, major commercial centres and the Victor Attah International Airport through a coordinated mass transit system supported by modern passenger terminals and operational facilities.

Speaking on behalf of the journalists, NUJ State Chairman, Mr. Nsibiet John, commended the government for allowing independent inspection of the buses. He described the exercise as a demonstration of transparency and accountability in the execution of public projects.

The media team later inspected the buses, interacted with project consultants and government officials, and embarked on a demonstration ride.