…Launches modern transport management system, 80+ bus shelters
…“This is unprecedented” – Planet Project MD
In a landmark move set to redefine Enugu State’s transportation system, Governor Peter Mbah on Thursday inaugurated five ultramodern transport terminals across the state, fulfilling a major plank of his integrated blueprint for a modern, multimodal transit ecosystem.
The governor also launched the Enugu State Modern Transport System to ease commuting, alongside a digital platform and over 80 newly constructed modern bus shelters.
The commissioned terminals include Holy Ghost Terminal 1 (Enugu Central Station 1) for inter-state transport, Holy Ghost Terminal 2 (Enugu Central Station 2) for inter-city transport, Nsukka Terminal (Nsukka Central Station), Abakpa Nike Terminal (Abakpa Central Station), and Gariki Terminal (Gariki Central Station).
Governor Mbah said the projects, which drew large crowds and excitement, formed part of the administration’s integrated five-terminal Transport Infrastructure Projects, Phase 1, in line with his goal to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
The facilities feature food courts, banking halls, motels, shops, CNG refilling stations, and cinemas. Holy Ghost Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a 400-metre sky bridge—hailed as the longest in Nigeria—while the buses boast free Wi-Fi and modern security systems.
Speaking at the Holy Ghost Terminal 2, Mbah recalled that before construction began in late 2023, the area was “practically a synonym for chaotic traffic and general disorderliness.”
“Aside from the fact it constituted a major municipal blight, we knew we could not attain our audacious economic goals if we lacked an efficient public transport system that offered both comfort and dignity,” he said.
“We knew that our goal to make Enugu the most livable city in Nigeria would be a futile bid if we were unable to tackle problems such as persistent traffic gridlock.
“So, from the very first day of this administration, we made a promise: to build a world-class transport system that moves people, connects businesses and communities, and, crucially, that rightfully positions Enugu State as a model of modern governance, sustainable growth, and human dignity.
“Today’s commissioning of the newly completed world-class terminals and the CNG Bus Mass Transit Scheme is indeed beyond a ribbon-cutting exercise. It ushers in a whole new experience; fundamentally connecting our vision to action, and our action to the daily lives of the over seven million residents of Enugu State.”
He described the CNG Rapid Bus Service and the terminals as “central pillars of our transport agenda – a multimodal highway to the future – integrating road, rail, air, and waterways into one seamless, safe, and efficient ecosystem.”
Mbah added that the projects are catalysts for economic growth and “engines of economic revival.”
“They represent our capacity to deliver projects that empower Ndi Enugu and set our state on a robust trajectory of growth. Already, this project is creating jobs, stimulating SMEs, and positioning Enugu to compete with Africa’s best. Through it, we’re creating over 20,000 jobs across BRT, 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing, and support services.”
He said the Enugu Transport Management System would end corruption in government enterprises, relying on e-ticketing to ensure transparency and eliminate revenue leakages.
“Commuters simply need to purchase a ticket and top up as they find suitable. Remarkably, a single valid ticket grants the holder access to other buses. Importantly, our comprehensive insurance coverage protects both the assets and the people who use them,” he noted.
The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support, citing the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport as a step that would “reposition Enugu as an aviation and economic hub.”
“Through words and deeds, the President has demonstrated a sincere love and support towards Enugu – and indeed the South East’s progress. No administration has given as much support to the sub-nationals as this President has done,” Mbah said.
In a goodwill message, the Programme Director/CEO of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi—represented by Engr. Tari Mayor-Bright—praised Mbah for his “bold step in setting up a modern transportation system geared towards a cleaner, safer, and more affordable transport for the people of Enugu State.”
The Managing Director of Planet Project Construction Company, Biodun Otunola, also lauded the governor’s political will, noting that building five terminals simultaneously was “unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.”
“No administration has ever done this before in the history of Nigeria. We are in this industry and we have the records,” Otunola stated.
Other speakers—including the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor; local government chairmen; market leaders; and traditional rulers—hailed the projects and the buses as transformative economic drivers for the state.
