The Enugu State government is working to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to provide affordable transportation and protect the environment. Additionally, the government has established a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to oversee energy and mineral investments.
These developments were announced by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, and Dr. Obi Ozor, Commissioner for Transportation, following a State Executive Council meeting. Onyia highlighted that Governor Peter Mbah had previously signed the Enugu State Electricity Law, which mandates the creation of an independent regulator to oversee energy and mineral resource activities.
The new ministry will focus on catalyzing investments in the energy and solid mineral sectors, with immediate effect.
Dr. Ozor added that the government is not only rolling out CNG buses but also building infrastructure to ensure smooth and safe operations. The transition from petrol to CNG is expected to reduce transportation costs by nearly half, benefitting citizens. The state is also working to attract private investment and is constructing a large CNG mother station at Ugwu Onyeama, with supporting daughter stations to follow.
