Abia State Government has commenced the full rollout of the Abia Connect Card, a cashless payment system introduced for the state’s Green Shuttle Bus Service.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed this said the objective remains to position Abia’s transport system as a model of innovation, efficiency and transparency in Nigeria.
He maintained that the initiative, introduced under the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, is aimed at modernising public transportation and delivering a seamless commuting experience for residents.
The government said the programme, driven through the Ministry of Transportation, marks another milestone in efforts to transform critical public infrastructure and build a digital, transparent and efficient transport ecosystem across the state.
The Abia Connect Card, also known as the “Abia State Card,” eliminates cash transactions, addressing challenges such as delays, disputes over change and revenue leakages. With the new system, commuters simply tap their cards on a payment device upon boarding and receive a confirmation sound indicating successful payment.
To ensure a smooth transition, the government announced that the first card will be issued free of charge to residents.
Cards can be obtained at designated Green Shuttle terminals and authorised agent locations across Aba and Umuahia.
In Aba, distribution points cover routes including Osisioma Junction, Zonal Board Bus Stop, Bata Bus Stop and Park; Opopo Junction to Park; Park to Uratta Junction, Ohabiam Bus Stop and Flyover Junction; as well as Flyover Junction to Tonimas Junction and Osisioma Junction.
In Umuahia, residents can obtain cards along the Ubakala to Isigate route; Isigate to Tower; Isigate to Secretariat (JAC Building); and Isigate to Ohafia routes.
Prospective users are required to present their ABSSIN to receive a card. Those without the number can register online via the Abia Pay platform to generate it. After funding the card — subject to a minimal ₦50 top-up charge — commuters are required to tap the card when boarding. The card does not expire, and funds loaded onto it remain valid without time limitation.
The Green Shuttle Service continues to operate inter-city and intra-city routes. Inter-city fares are ₦800 for Aba–Umuahia–Aba and ₦1,000 for Umuahia–Ohafia–Umuahia.
Within Umuahia and Aba, the buses operate at a flat rate of ₦150 across designated routes.
The government urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing free card distribution, noting that the adoption of the Abia Connect Card will promote accountability and strengthen a technology-driven public transport system.
