Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced that the state government was seeking partners to provide refilling depots for Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, vehicles as well as investors for the Ibom deep seaport development.
In his address marking the 37th anniversary of the state’s creation, Governor Eno disclosed his plans to revolutionise transportation in the state with CNG buses; an initiative aimed at providing cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective transportation for the people.
The governor also threatened to prosecute filling stations in the state selling petrol above the federal government recommended prices.
He said: “We are in search of partners who will provide refilling depots for our CNG buses. Once this is achieved, we will launch this program. It does not make sense to buy CNG buses that will not have refilling depots, doing so, will defeat the purpose of this initiative.
“Let me warn those who are selling petrol above the approved price that the Government will not tolerate such unpatriotic actions. We will soon set up a Task Force to ensure that those engaging in this practice are brought to book.”
On the Ibom Deep Seaport project, Governor Eno disclosed that construction was underway on access roads and facilities to attract investors.
The seaport is expected to boost economic growth, create employment opportunities, and position Akwa Ibom as a major hub for international trade.
“On Ibom Deep Seaport, we are constructing access Roads such as Orukim Uyeghe Road and other facilities to make the environment conducive for investors. We are working tirelessly to woo investors to partner with us in this great investment.
“The Ibom Deep Seaport will be a game-changer for our state and the nation, and we are committed to seeing it through to completion.
“Work is also ongoing on the reconstruction of Oron Maritime Terminal and we have ordered two passenger cruise ferries to ease water transportation between Akwa Ibom and our Sister State, Cross River.
“The Oron Maritime Terminal project comprises the Maritime Terminal, Shore Protection, Jetty, Warehouse and Cold Room and other Recreational facilities,” the governor stated.
