A former Commissioner for Budget and Planning in Enugu State, Dr. Ugwunta David, has commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for initiating a transformative transportation infrastructure system in the state, likening the ambitious project to the world-class model in Sweden.
In a detailed commentary titled “Transport Infrastructure Development in Enugu State: Lessons from Sweden”, Dr. Ugwunta lauded the governor for publicly acknowledging the “huge cost to livelihoods and numerous sacrifices” involved in the project.
“No matter how anyone looks at this new transport infrastructure development in Enugu, believe me, it is a major milestone in the development of the state aimed at repositioning the transportation sector in Enugu State sustainably,” he said.
Drawing parallels with Sweden’s multimodal transportation network, the former commissioner recalled his visits to Stockholm, Uppsala, and Karlstad, where he witnessed efficient integration of Metro (Tunnelbana), buses, trams, light rail, and commuter rail systems.
He described Sweden’s SL Access Card — a reusable contactless card granting access across all transport modes — and the convenience of top-ups via mobile apps, supermarkets, or ticket machines. The system, he noted, is cashless, environmentally friendly, and built for accessibility, with features such as low-floor buses, wheelchair ramps, real-time digital displays, automated audio announcements, and onboard CCTV.
“Honestly, in Sweden, I witnessed a system that is efficient, clean, and among the world’s best and I hope that the Governor of Enugu State will take us into this kind of Eldorado,” Ugwunta stated.
Dr. Ugwunta also highlighted Sweden’s intercity transport, including FlixBus services and SJ-operated high-speed trains equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard cafés, quiet zones, luggage racks, and accessible facilities. He drew a connection to Enugu’s Holy Ghost Terminals 1 and 2, which aim to serve as a central hub like Stockholm’s T-Centralen.
While noting that Enugu’s current mantra, “Tomorrow is Here”, may not yet be fully realised, he maintained that the state is on the right track.
Citing further lessons from Sweden, Ugwunta suggested:
- Localising the assembly or manufacturing of CNG buses and Jetour vehicles in partnership with local firms like ANAMCO.
- Developing a dedicated transport app for Ndi Enugu.
- Introducing real-time displays and automated announcements in Igbo and English at bus stops and inside buses.
- Establishing recharge and top-up centres in strategic locations.
He concluded with a call for a nationwide adoption of integrated transport systems, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to work with state governments to implement a multimodal infrastructure model across Nigeria.
“If we have any savings from the PMS subsidy removal, it can easily be dedicated and channelled into the development of a multimodal transport infrastructure system for Nigeria, possibly, mirroring what is available in other climes like Sweden,” he said.
