The Enugu State Government is set to revolutionize its transportation system with the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. This initiative aims to reduce environmental pollution and make public transportation more affordable for residents.
In line with this, the government has also established the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, focused on fostering investments in the energy and mineral sectors. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, shared these developments after the recent State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting.
Prof. Onyia emphasized that the establishment of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources aligns with the governor’s previous enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law. The law mandates the creation of an independent regulator, as well as a supervisory ministry to handle all activities related to energy and mineral resources in the state.
“Given the significant availability of mineral resources in Enugu, we decided to establish this Ministry to not only oversee our energy initiatives but also to harness investment opportunities within the solid mineral sector,” Onyia said.
Speaking on transportation, Dr. Ozor highlighted the state’s plan to introduce CNG buses alongside the infrastructure needed to ensure safety and smooth operation. This move is a part of Enugu’s strategy to shift from petrol to CNG, cutting transportation fuel costs by approximately 50%, making commuting cheaper for the public.
Dr. Ozor also mentioned that the government is working on supporting private sector investments to boost the transition to CNG-powered transport. “We are building essential infrastructure such as bus terminals, modern bus shelters, and equipping buses with Internet of Things (IoT) devices to ensure commuter safety and efficiency,” he added.
To support this transition, Enugu State is currently constructing a large CNG mother station at Ugwu Onyeama. This facility, which will serve the entire South East, will soon be complemented by multiple daughter stations that resemble conventional fuel stations, with construction set to begin in the coming weeks.
This project, including partnerships with companies like Greenville Energy, aims to create an enabling environment for CNG investments and set Enugu as a leader in sustainable urban mobility.
