Gov Otti Commissions 20 More Electric Buses, Directs Extended Traffic Enforcement in Abia

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

Governor Alex Otti has commissioned 20 additional electric buses for the Abia Green Shuttle Service, in a move that underscores his administration’s commitment to building a modern, affordable and clean-energy-powered transportation system for residents.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Umuahia, Governor Otti said the initiative underscores his administration’s determination to provide affordable, efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable public transportation for residents of the state.

While describing transportation as a catalyst for economic prosperity, the Governor explained that the decision to adopt electric vehicles was driven by the need to reduce operating costs, protect the environment and position Abia ahead of private-sector participation in the transition to cleaner energy.

The State Chief Executive noted that the buses were designed with larger cargo compartments and facilities for persons living with disabilities to improve accessibility and service delivery. He disclosed that the new buses had increased the state’s electric bus fleet to 40.

Governor Otti, who listed offences such as beating traffic lights, driving against traffic, overloading and indiscriminate parking as behaviours that would no longer be tolerated, warned that motorists found violating traffic regulations would face stiff sanctions.

The Governor therefore directed the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency and the Harmonised Task Force to extend their operations until 10 p.m. daily, including weekends, as part of measures to strengthen traffic management and improve public safety.

Governor Otti added that an independent monitoring team would be established to assess compliance with the directive. He also warned that acts of sabotage, vandalism and other criminal activities against public transport assets would attract severe consequences.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukegbu, described the commissioning as another significant milestone in the state’s transport transformation agenda.

He said the additional buses would expand inter-city and intra-city operations and provide workers, students and other residents with safer, more affordable and comfortable transportation.

Dr Ukegbu noted that the state government had complemented the expansion of the fleet with investments in charging infrastructure, maintenance systems and route planning to ensure efficient service delivery.

He added that the adoption of electric buses would contribute to cleaner air by eliminating tailpipe emissions and position Abia as a leader in sustainable public transportation.

Dr Ukegbu assured residents that the buses would be professionally managed and properly maintained, while urging drivers to uphold discipline and observe all road safety regulations. He commended Governor Otti for choosing to build the future through bold investments in modern transportation.

The event was attended by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles, Mr Ismael Ahmed, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Takang.

Others included the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, members of the State Executive Council, and other dignitaries.