Some commercial transport operators in Enugu State have appealed to the government to step back from direct participation in the transportation business and instead concentrate on regulating the sector. The drivers, who spoke on Monday, expressed concern that the state-owned Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses operating on major routes were significantly affecting their income and threatening their livelihoods.

Samson Eze, a Sienna driver who operates along the Enugu–Nsukka route, described the situation as increasingly difficult. According to him, the government-run CNG buses have created stiff competition that private drivers are struggling to withstand. By early afternoon, he said, he had yet to secure enough passengers for his first trip of the day. He attributed the decline in patronage to commuters’ preference for the state buses, which are perceived as cheaper and more comfortable. Eze lamented that on some days he manages only two trips from morning to night, while at other times he returns with few or no passengers. He noted that the CNG buses not only operate frequently but also pick up passengers along the roadside, leaving little opportunity for independent drivers to attract customers.

Another driver, Charles Obum, shared similar frustrations. He argued that the government should focus on overseeing the transport sector rather than competing directly with private operators. In his view, the state’s involvement creates an uneven playing field, as no private driver can rival a government-backed scheme. He urged Governor Peter Mbah to adopt policies that protect small businesses instead of exposing them to financial hardship.

Obum further alleged that the transport initiative appeared structured to edge out private drivers. He pointed to the development of modern terminals where both CNG and commercial vehicles load passengers, suggesting that this arrangement gives commuters easy access to the government buses while disadvantaging independent operators.

However, several passengers praised the CNG scheme. A commuter, Mrs. Mgbede, said she preferred the service because of its convenience and faster travel time, noting that the buses are rarely delayed at checkpoints along the Enugu–Nsukka road. Similarly, trader James Itodo commended the buses for carrying both passengers and goods without frequent interference from security officials, adding that they offer lower fares compared to previous rates charged by private drivers.

Some transport workers admitted they now avoid routes dominated by the state buses due to declining patronage. They appealed to the government to either review the policy or assist private drivers in converting their vehicles to CNG to enable fair competition.