The Cross River State Government has introduced 10 electric buses and 500 electric tricycles as part of Governor Bassey Otu’s efforts to modernize the state's transport system, reduce commuting costs, and promote cleaner energy.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar, the Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, said the initiative is designed to ease the financial burden on residents, particularly civil servants and daily commuters, who are expected to save between ₦300 and ₦400 on transportation expenses each day.
Cobham explained that although the government initially considered adopting compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles, it eventually settled for electric vehicles due to their lower operating costs and environmental benefits, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. He noted that each electric bus has a driving range of about 250 kilometres on a full charge, making the system both efficient and dependable.
According to him, the transport initiative extends beyond the initial rollout, with plans that include 20 shuttle buses, 200 electric motorcycles, and 10 larger intercity buses capable of transporting about 50 passengers per trip.
The commissioner projected significant reductions in transport fares across major routes. Using the 8 Miles–Watt Market route as an example, he said fares, currently around ₦600, could drop to between ₦150 and ₦200 once the supporting infrastructure becomes fully operational.
He also highlighted the economic benefits for operators of the electric tricycles, noting that they would no longer spend between ₦5,000 and ₦7,000 daily on fuel, allowing them to take home as much as ₦15,000 in daily earnings.
Describing the initiative as the foundation of a new era in Cross River's transport sector, Cobham said the government is positioning the state for a gradual transition away from fossil fuel-powered transportation.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, he said the transport scheme will operate through an automated payment system managed by private operators rather than the government.
Government officials described the deployment of the electric buses as the first major intervention in public transportation after 16 years of neglect, adding that previous administrations made little investment in the sector. They also disclosed that the planned fast-charging stations will serve as centres for youth empowerment and skills development.
Reflecting on his assumption of office in August 2023, Cobham said he inherited a ministry with only two staff members, prompting immediate institutional reforms. He said the administration has since strengthened the ministry while addressing issues such as traffic indiscipline and criminal activities linked to illegal commercial transport operators.
Looking ahead, he revealed that the state has engaged Planet Projects, consultants to the World Bank, to conduct a pre-feasibility study for future transport projects. Through public-private partnerships, the government also plans to develop a 4,000-capacity trailer park in the Odukpani/Akamkpa axis to ease congestion in Calabar, with West African Terminal identified as the preferred bidder.
Cobham further disclosed that the administration remains committed to delivering the proposed Grand Littoral Rail Project despite delays caused by pending federal approvals.
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