Akwa Ibom’s ₦42bn CNG Bus Deal: A Mixed Bag of Progress and Secrecy
In the sweltering heat of Akwa Ibom’s summer, the arrival of 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses has sparked both excitement and concern. The ₦42 billion project, aimed at cushioning the impact of fuel subsidy removal, has been shrouded in secrecy, with officials refusing to disclose critical financial details. While the fleet’s arrival marks a significant step towards a modern transport system, the lack of transparency raises questions about accountability and compliance with public procurement laws.
The Akwa Ibom State Government’s ambitious plan to introduce state-owned mass transit buses was first announced by Governor Umo Eno in August 2023. Barely three months into his tenure, Mr Eno promised to cushion the impact of petrol subsidy removal by introducing subsidized public buses. Thirty-one months later, the state has received the first batch of the promised CNG buses. The arrival of the fleet has been touted as the beginning of a modern transport system for the state, but the government’s nondisclosure of procurement details has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability.
Despite a cumulative budgetary allocation of ₦42.04 billion for the project, officials have yet to release contract sums, procurement records, or bidding documentation. This lack of disclosure is particularly concerning, given the state’s public procurement laws, which require public access to procurement information. The non-disclosure of critical financial details has raised questions about the implementation timeline and the potential for irregularities.
The procurement process has also been shrouded in secrecy, with officials refusing to disclose how the contract was awarded. During an inspection of the buses with select journalists on July 1, Alexandro Selefteriadis, the chief executive officer of Alpha Daiz, the contractor for the Ibom City bus project, provided some insights into the procurement process. Mr Selefteriadis stated that the buses are factory-built CNG buses, rather than diesel buses converted to run on gas. He added that the project goes beyond vehicle procurement, with plans to establish a technical training school where 600 students would receive both theoretical and practical training in bus maintenance.
The representative of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Ime Uwah, provided some information on the payment process, stating that the state paid the manufacturer directly. However, the disclosure that payment was only made in October 2025 raises fresh questions about the implementation timeline.
The Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, has sought to reassure the public about the ongoing construction of supporting infrastructure. He stated that there is ongoing construction of the CNG terminal at Ikot Ekpe community, Offot, in Uyo, and that an integrated transportation system for Akwa Ibom State, including a driver’s academy, training facilities, and a car wash, is in the works. Governor Eno’s vision for an efficient transport system in Akwa Ibom State is indeed commendable, but the lack of transparency in the procurement process raises concerns about accountability and compliance with public procurement laws.
As Akwa Ibom embarks on this ambitious project, it is essential that the government prioritizes transparency and accountability. The public has a right to know how public funds are being used, and the government must ensure that procurement processes are fair, competitive, and transparent. By doing so, the Akwa Ibom State Government can build trust with the public and ensure that the ₦42 billion CNG bus deal is a success that benefits the people of the state.
What’s Next for Akwa Ibom’s CNG Bus Project?
As the Akwa Ibom State Government continues to implement the CNG bus project, stakeholders are watching with interest. The government has promised to establish a technical training school, which will provide training for 600 students in bus maintenance. This initiative is commendable, as it will not only provide skills for the youth but also ensure that the buses are well-maintained and efficient.
However, the lack of transparency in the procurement process has raised concerns about the potential for irregularities. The government must ensure that the procurement process is fair, competitive, and transparent, and that all stakeholders are held accountable. By doing so, the Akwa Ibom State Government can build trust with the public and ensure that the ₦42 billion CNG bus deal is a success that benefits the people of the state.
As the project moves forward, the public will be watching closely to see how the government prioritizes transparency and accountability. The people of Akwa Ibom deserve to know how public funds are being used, and the government must ensure that the procurement process is fair, competitive, and transparent. By doing so, the Akwa Ibom State Government can build trust and ensure that the ₦42 billion CNG bus deal is a success that benefits the people of the state.