By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom government is seeking private investors to help establish refilling depots for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. This initiative aims to reduce transportation costs for residents.
Governor Umo Eno made the announcement during a broadcast commemorating the state’s 37th anniversary, emphasizing that operating CNG buses without refilling depots would be counterproductive.
“We are looking for partners to provide refilling depots for our CNG buses. Once we secure this, we will launch the program. Buying CNG buses without the necessary infrastructure defeats the purpose of this initiative,” he stated.
Governor Eno also warned fuel station owners against selling petrol above government-approved prices, announcing plans to establish a Task Force to address this issue.
He highlighted his administration’s investments aimed at improving the lives of citizens through various programs, as well as completing and expanding infrastructure. Notably, he mentioned offsetting N31 billion in inherited gratuities.
“Today, I am proud to say that nearly a year and a half into our administration, the fundamentals of our growth are solid. Just like former U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who invested in the people after inheriting robust infrastructure, we, too, are focused on uplifting our citizens and fighting poverty,” he explained.
Eno outlined efforts to enhance education, healthcare, and security while maintaining peace and expanding infrastructure. He reiterated the commitment to paying off backlogs of gratuities, having already disbursed over N31 billion and aiming to raise that to N35 billion in the coming months.
He urged residents to remain united, treat each other with respect, and support those in need during these challenging times.
“Politics and ethnicity should not divide us. Let our shared spirit bind us together. As your Governor, I will continue to promote peace and humility in governance,” he concluded.
