Before the advent of the Governor Godswill Akpabio administration, there was a poor system of mass transportation in Akwa Ibom State. While the major motor bays were completely in a state of disrepair, commuters and motorists flourished through improvised and illegal loading bays arbitrarily on roadsides and junctions.
It was a situation where reptiles found shelter in the established motorparks while commuters got subjected to the most inhuman conditions especially environmental hazards, by getting their cabs along roadsides. Because of the unregulated ‘free-for-all’ transport system, most innocent passengers fell victims to scammers and ritualists who posed as roadside motorists.
Another problem that militated against an effective transport system, was the poor roads network in the State before 2007. So many localities where completely not accessible and could only be reached through bush tracks and dangerous bridges. Intercity transport business was therefore left mainly in the hands of quacks and rugged thugs.
In keeping with his electioneering campaign promises, upon assumption of office, Governor Akpabio awarded contract for the construction of several roads, thereby turning Akwa Ibom State into a huge construction site. So far over 500 roads covering more than 1200km have been constructed by reputable companies.
In consonance with this conceptualization, the Governor Akpabio - led government started-off with the provision of street furniture aimed at expressing the identity of the state and giving it a development character. Some of them include, solar power street lights to manage vehicular congestion and provide basic information to motorist and pedestrians, speed breakers to control speed where necessary, directional signage, street lamps to illuminate the urban areas, cat eye-a retro reflective safety device used for road marking and to caution motorists, pedestrians ways, bus stops, streets sculpture and lining pavement.
This street furniture are complemented with neo- classical arts decor, post modern and gothic sculpture which have made the city areas distinctive, attractive and as a result increased property value.
Shortly after resuming for his second term responsibility, Governor Akpabio created the Ministry of Transport out of the then Ministry of Works and Transport in 2011.
The Ministry of Transport had previously left people confused on what actually is her role in the transformational leadership of Governor Godswill Akpabio, apart from regulating the activities of tricycle operators commonly known as KEKE NAPEP. But during that Transport Commissioner’s session with media professionals it was obvious that there is more to the Ministry than keke transportation.
Recently, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Transport had a session with journalists in which he outlined government’s plans in the transport sub sector, and the vision of the state government for a smooth and safe transport system in the State.
In the words of Barr Mbeh, “the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Transport has a mission to ensure an efficient, affordable, and incorporated public transportation system that would stimulate the vision of His Excellency Chief Godswill Akpabio (CON) towards making the state the main economic hub in the Gulf of Guinea”.
The State Transport boss in the recent interaction with journalists announced that his Ministry will embark on the demolition and relocation of illegal parks, and all operators doing business outside the official motorparks have been given till 30th of September to move their operations to the state government approved motorparks in the state, which are located at Mbiabong Etoi along Oron Road, Nung Oku along Aka – Nung Udoe road, Itam along Ikot Ekpene Road, and Ikot Akpe along Olusegun Obasanjo Way.
The state government through the Transport Ministry is determined to sanitize the road of activities of miscreants, and is set to review and disband where necessary, activities of road tax collectors/other unauthorized revenue agents on public highways so that motorists are not exposed to unnecessary embarrassments from illegal toll collectors on our highways.
All broken down or stationery motor vehicles on our highways are to be evacuated while owners of such vehicles are hereby advised in their own interest to remove them immediately as they constitute nuisance on our highways.
It is also to be believed that the state government will soon publish regulatory guides for all operators of commercial tricycles aka Keke NAPEP in Uyo metropolis. Already a harmonized executive of tricycle operators under the aegis of National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) has just been inaugurated. while more road safety and traffic signs on the remaining major roads across the state to enhance the safety of road users are underway.
Also announced to Akwa Ibom people, was the plans of government to resuscitate public marine transport system to ease transportation to neigbouring coastal states.
Akwa Ibom people are not surprised that Chief Akpabio bestowed the task of superintending his vision for a vibrant and organized state transport network on the shoulders of a humble and dynamic Austin Mbeh, a lawyer and grassroot politician. Until his appointment, Mbeh was the Commissioner for Special Duties with the responsibility of taking charge of the Akwa Ibom Airport and the Ibom Tropicana Center; and under his nose the airport did not witness any lull in breaking new grounds and hitting fresh milestones. Apart from securing all the necessary approvals from the myriad of aviation regulatory and other oversight bodies, the Airport has retained a sustained partnership with reputable Airlines with the MRO and international terminal buildings at advanced stage.
Barr Mbeh’s admirers can always vouch that he is one who is committed to quality service delivery and hates mediocrity with passion. His first port of call was the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Barr Mbeh brought life into the ministry, including organizing a highly colourful and successful National Festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST in 2010.
As the reforms in the transport subsector begin to take shape, one cannot fail to relish the new transport boss’ assurances that no stone will be left unturned in improving traffic flow and reducing travel time in order to strengthen the economic and social activities in our fast developing state.
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