Akwa Ibom's N42bn CNG bus deal: Fleet arrives, but procurement details remain hidden

Akwa Ibom State has received its first batch of 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, a move intended to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal. Governor Umo Eno had pledged the state-owned mass transit system in August 2023, but the fleet's arrival 31 months later is clouded by a lack of transparency regarding the procurement process.

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These are original CNG buses. It is very difficult to find original CNG buses. Most buses in Nigeria are converted, but these are original.

Despite a significant budgetary allocation of N42.04 billion for the project, the government has yet to release crucial financial details, including contract sums, bidding documentation, and procurement records. This non-disclosure runs counter to the state's public procurement laws, which mandate public access to such information. Officials have also not explained why procurement began more than two years after the initial promise.

During an inspection on July 1, Alexandro Selefteriadis, CEO of Alpha Daiz, the contractor, confirmed the buses are original CNG models, not converted diesel vehicles, and can operate for up to 16 hours on a single refueling. The project extends beyond vehicle acquisition, with plans for a technical training school to educate 600 students in bus maintenance.

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As of October 2025, payments were made directly to Isuzu.

Ime Uwah of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) stated that payments were made directly to the manufacturer, Isuzu, as of October 2025, and that spare parts for five to ten years of maintenance have also been procured. The Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, highlighted ongoing construction of a CNG terminal and the development of an integrated transportation system, including a driver's academy and car wash, signaling a move towards an efficient transport era for the state.

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There is ongoing construction of the CNG terminal at Ikot Ekpe community, Offot, in Uyo. There will be an integrated transportation system for Akwa Ibom State, including a driver’s academy, training facilities and a car wash. We are about to enter an era of an efficient transport system in Akwa Ibom State.