Govt Announces Date to Roll Out Enugu Air, CNG Buses, Transport Terminals 

Massive transport overhaul, tourism revival, and sports infrastructure upgrades underway ahead of Enugu 2026

The Enugu State Government has announced the imminent launch of a series of transformative projects in the state’s transport, tourism, and sports sectors. These include the commencement of Enugu Air commercial operations, rollout of 100 CNG mass transit buses, commissioning of new transport terminals, and the kickoff of major tourism and sports infrastructure developments.

The announcement was made by key members of the State Executive Council after its meeting at the Government House, Enugu, over the weekend.

Enugu Air and CNG Bus Operations Begin This May

Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, confirmed that Enugu’s state-owned airline, Enugu Air, will begin operations before the second anniversary of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration later this month.

“We are starting off with the initial three aircraft. Two are already on ground, and the third will arrive before the end of the month. We hope to commence commercial flights before the second-year anniversary,” Ozor told journalists.

He added that 100 CNG-powered buses under the Enugu Mass Transit Programme will begin operations before May 29, with 50 buses already stationed at Okpara Square, and another 50 arriving in the coming weeks.

“Bus terminals at Holy Ghost (2), Gariki, Abakpa, and Nsukka will also be commissioned and fully operational before the end of the month,” he added.

Dr. Ozor also disclosed plans to bring an electric and CNG vehicle assembly plant to Enugu, with the launch of the Enugu Smart Transport Programme coming within the next 150 days—aimed at deploying over 2,000 electric vehicles across the state.

Southeast’s Longest Canopy Walkway, Nigeria’s First Zipline Coming to Enugu

In a bold move to boost tourism, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, announced that the government had approved the development of key tourist attractions, including Awhum Waterfalls, Nsude Pyramid, and the Ngwo Pine Forest.

“The first phase of our plan includes constructing the longest canopy walkway in Nigeria—600 metres—at Nsude Pyramid and a 300-metre zipline, the first in Nigeria, at Ngwo Pine Forest,” she said.

Additional highlights include:

• The Cross of Hope, a 50-metre tall cross atop Okpatu Hill, reaching 630 metres above sea level with 15 floors and an elevator

• A new Waterpark at Akwuke/Atakkwu

• Ovu Lake Golf and Resort in Akpawfu

• Renewable energy-powered tourist experience centres, food courts, and tour buses to ease access to these locations

Sports Infrastructure Set for Enugu 2026

With Enugu State set to host the 23rd National Sports Festival in 2026, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, said work will begin in June at both the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the Awgu Games Village.

“The State Executive Council has directed that work must begin not later than June to ensure readiness for the festival,” he stated.

Ekweremadu also revealed that the state has completed a youth-focused Animation Lab, which will soon be commissioned by the governor, as part of a broader effort to drive creative industry empowerment in the state.

Youth Empowerment Ahead of International Youth Day

In further youth engagement plans, the commissioner confirmed that over 2,100 young people trained in vocational and digital skills last December will be formally empowered on August 12, to mark International Youth Day.

“We are focused on giving our young people the tools they need to thrive,” Ekweremadu said.