13th October 2025, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, News
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

Smarting from the recent hugely successful presidential commissioning of some critical roads and infrastructural projects in Abia State, the governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has indicated the intention of his government to modernize the transportation system and bring affordable transport services to the door steps of the ordinary people of the State. This is all part of the ongoing development blueprint of the governor to transform and reposition Abia for greater economic possibilities.

Accordingly, the governor is set to launch an Electric Vehicle public transport system tagged “the Abia Green Shuttle Service”.

According to a public statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the initiative aims to revolutionize public transport and position Abia at the forefront of sustainable mobility in Nigeria.

“The Abia Green Shuttle Service is part of Governor Otti`s broader and futuristic vision for a modern and sustainable public transportation system, which aligns with global best practices, climate change and environmental sustainability goals.

“The State under Governor Otti has embraced the future over and above PMS, Diesel and CNG”.

Ukoha disclosed that the government plans to acquire 100 electric buses to operate within Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia, with modern terminals which are nearing completion. He noted that the first batch of 20 electric buses acquired by the State with 10 charging infrastructure equipped with ‘persons with disability solutions’ will be operational before the end of the year.

More deliveries are expected to be taken by early 2026, including additional charging infrastructure.

This is a very laudable initiative that would go a long way in revolutionizing Abia`s transportation sector and boosting its fortunes. It is a revolution that is set to facilitate and improve intra and inter-city movements and connections within and around the State.

With the availability of the Green Shuttle Buses, the citizens of Abia would be able to make seamless connections from any part of the three designated hubs (Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia) to other parts of the State and beyond.

What makes the initiative compelling is that it is eco-friendly as the buses will not run on fossil fuels, diesels or gas but on electric currents, solar power and other clean green energy.

The initiative is expected to improve road safety, create jobs for the teeming youths in the State and boost economic growth and development, resulting in shared prosperity.

It is important to note that some specific routes have been mapped out and bus stops are being constructed at designated spots to serve as shelters for the commuting public.

When this great initiative is fully consummated, it will not only modernize the transportation sector and enhance public safety in the State, but also bring order and sanity in the system.

Like Ukoha observed, “the green shuttle transport service initiative demonstrates a commitment to modernizing transportation, promoting sustainability, and improving citizens` quality of life”.

Governor Otti is indeed a game changer in Abia State. Since his assumption of office two years ago, he has embarked on so many transformative projects that have continued to change the face of Abia for good.

Since the creation of Abia State in 1991, this is about the first time it is to witness any meaningful intervention in the public transportation sector.

The absence of government in this crucial sector has created room for all kinds of profiteers, shylocks, sharks and greedy business operators to seize the sector, running it on their whims and caprices.

The lamentable situation has brought a lot of confusion in the system to the discomfiture of the travelling public.

There is no doubt that with this timely intervention by Governor Otti, sanity will return to the sector.

No sector of the economy and no section of the State is being left behind. All parts of Abia are receiving the attention of the government in every area, including road constructions, agricultural production, healthcare, education, environmental sanitation, urban renewal, human capital empowerment, and sports and youth development etc.

The impressive achievements so far recorded in the State under Otti`s watch have stood Abia out as a beacon of good governance and epitome of leadership excellence.

It is the belief of the good people of Abia State that the current initiative should be a prelude to the introduction of organized taxi transportation in the commercial cities of the State, particularly Umuahia which has been without such services for a very long time.

It is really unfortunate that a State capital like Umuahia has no taxis plying its roads. It is a big minus.

The Otti administration should look into this and see how it can remedy the situation.

May Abia continue to prevail!

Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnosu2@gmail.com

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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