By Udeme Hosea

The first batch of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), buses from the January 2, 2026 production line at the Isuzu factory in Turkey arrived Akwa Ibom State last week.

The 20 brand-new buses were inspected earlier today at Government House, Uyo, when the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, led Journalists in the state for a firsthand tour.

The inspection was conducted by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, PhD, alongside the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Anthony Luke and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh. Also present were Alpha Dias Project CEO, Mr. Alexandro Selefteriadis and Mr. Ime Uwah of AKICORP .

Addressing the press, Hon. Aniekan Umanah hinted that the visit followed NUJ’s request to verify the buses after their arrival, confirmed that Governor Umo Eno approved 50 factory-built CNG buses for the state , with 20 delivered now and the remaining 30 expected between July and August 2026.

Umana also dismissed claims that the buses were refurbished.
“These are brand-new buses built specifically for Akwa Ibom.” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Alexandro Selefteriadis explained that, the buses use original Cummins CNG engines, not converted diesel units, making the fleet one of the most advanced in Africa.

He added that, beyond the buses, the state government is constructing an ultra-modern terminal in Uyo, bus sheds in all 31 LGAs, a driver training academy, maintenance workshops and CNG refuelling stations, pointing that, the integrated bus network will link all Local Government Areas and the Victor Attah International Airport.

Applauding the state government for acquiring the CNG buses, Comrade Nsibiet John commended Governor Umo Eno for his leadership strides , especially for the new buses that will serve both the rich and the poor, reiterated NUJ’s support for balanced reportage.

High point of the assessment was a demonstration ride by the journalists to assess comfort and safety.