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MIXED REACTIONS OVER INAUGURATION OF ENUGU BUS TERMINALS
Some drivers in Enugu State, Thursday, said the launch of the Enugu State Transport Management System, and the commissioning of five brand-new modern bus terminals by the state government would adversely affect their businesses.
The drivers, mostly those operating inter-city services, said although the launch would ease the pains of residents in movement, it would not be in the interest of commercial bus drivers in the short run.
Anthony Okoro is a commercial driver and operates from Old Park to Nsukka.
Quoting him, “I know that it would adversely affect us. The passengers would surely embrace the CNG buses because they would be cheaper.
“Presently, I do three to five turns every day. I charge each passenger N3000 to Nsukka. Siena vehicles carry ten passengers. We therefore break even after buying petrol at almost N1,000 per litre.
“But with the coming of these buses, our frequency ofn conveying passengers to and from Enugu will drastically reduce.
“That will also affect our cost of living. For me, it is a blessing to some, and a headache to others.”
Obinna Ogbonna also expressed worries over the new bus scheme. According to him, “People don’t even travel any longer. We struggle to break even.
“At times, we book in Enugu and run empty to Nsukka, and then book again. The plan is that by the second journey to Enugu, it would be our turn. On our return to Nsukka, we meet another turn.
“It is a calculation. With these buses which Gov Peter Mbah is bringing, passengers will embrace them, and abandon us. At worst, we go and work there.”
Ngozika Ekwueme is a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She expressed joy that the expected buses had arrived. She said, “It will help a lot. Commercial drivers have transferred their aggression to the passengers.
“I am aware that the removal of fuel subsidy was the root cause of the fare hike, but the drivers don’t help matters. They charge passengers as if we are working for Mr President. Gov Mbah has come to our rescue.”
Ijeoma Abada, from Opi, sells honey. She said, “Sincerely speaking, I am excited. The bus terminals were strategically built at Nsukka, Abakpa, Holy Ghost, and Garriki. These are the major routes in Enugu.
“We expect a crash in transportation costs. We expect comfort. We expect an improved standard of living. I spend N7,000 each day I go to Enugu to sell honey. But with these buses, I expect that I would save a lot.”
Hillary Mbu is an economist. He advised the state government to make the scheme private-sector driven.
According to him, “Such ventures are managed well under a private-sector driven economy. Governments in Nigeria hardly manage businesses well.
“Let the state regulate the operations of the parks and buses. That will make the scheme enduring and optimally operational.
“Gov Mbah strategically mapped out this transport scheme. The time to reap the benefits of the demolition he carried out earlier is now.
“The bus terminals are situated in the hearts of the cities. The terminals are beauties to behold. I expect Ndi Enugu to smile at last.”
Gov Mbah had in a post on Wednesday announced the commissioning of the buses alongside various bus terminals where the buses would load and discharge passengers.
He wrote, “My dear people of Enugu State, I’m pleased to share that, Thursday, August 14th 2025, we will launch the Enugu State Transport Management System, commission five brand-new modern bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Nsukka, Abakpa and Gariki, and roll out our CNG-powered buses.
“I warmly invite you to join us as we take this bold step towards smarter mobility, smoother journeys, and a cleaner future for Ndi Enugu – transforming the way we move, work, and live. Tomorrow is here!
