Tuesday June 30, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Henshaw NYONG
One of Akwa Ibom’s most experienced political heavyweights, Distinguished Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, has described the arrival of the first 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses procured by the Akwa Ibom State Government as another practical demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving the daily lives of ordinary citizens, saying the initiative will ease transportation costs, create jobs and stimulate economic activities across the State.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with TheHILL, the senator, who represented Nigeria in the ECOWAS Parliament, said the arrival of the buses marks another fulfilled promise under the ARISE Agenda, noting that transportation remains one of the strongest drivers of economic growth because it directly affects workers, traders, students, farmers and small business owners.
According to him, beyond introducing modern buses, the Governor has demonstrated an understanding of bottom-up governance by investing in services that ordinary people depend on every day.
The former Councillor, Executive Chairman, House of Assembly member and Attorney General said affordable, safe and reliable transportation would reduce the burden on families, improve access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities, while supporting productivity across the 31 local government areas.
Senator Bob observed that the initiative would also open up a broad economic value chain extending beyond transportation itself. He explained that the operation and maintenance of the CNG buses would create direct and indirect employment opportunities for drivers, engineers, technicians, mechanics, ticketing personnel, cleaners, security personnel and other support service providers.
He expressed confidence that the drivers to be engaged for the scheme would undergo comprehensive training in line with international best practices, stressing that professionalism, discipline, safety consciousness and respect for passengers must remain the hallmarks of the new transport system.
The political leader and legal luminary, who has practised for more than four decades, urged Akwa Ibom people to continue supporting the administration, saying the visible implementation of projects across critical sectors demonstrates that the ARISE Agenda is steadily translating into tangible benefits for the people.
CNG Buses: Sen Bob Hails Gov Eno for Expanding Affordable Transport, Economic Opportunities
