Transport experts, policymakers, investors and stakeholders from across the country are expected to converge in Umuahia, Abia State Capital for the South-East Zonal Transport Conference 2026 aimed at advancing sustainable urban mobility and green energy solutions.
The conference, organised by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) in collaboration with the Abia State Government, is scheduled to hold from June 17 to 19, 2026, with the opening ceremony slated for June 18 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.
Speaking during a media briefing at the ICC on Wednesday, the South-East Zonal Coordinator of CIOTA and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs Ijeoma Clara Okere, said the conference would provide a platform for stakeholders to address emerging transportation challenges and explore sustainable solutions for the region and the country.
According to her, the conference, themed, “Advancing Urban Transport Through Sustainable Urban Mobility and Green Energy Solution”, is intended to stimulate discussions on modern transportation systems capable of supporting economic growth and addressing environmental concerns.
She disclosed that the choice of the theme “reflects the urgent need for Nigerian cities and urban centres to embrace innovative, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable transportation systems capable of meeting the mobility needs of our growing population while contributing to national development and environmental sustainability.
Mrs Okere noted that despite its status as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant economic regions, the South-East continues to grapple with traffic congestion, inadequate public transport systems, environmental degradation, road safety concerns and increasing demand for efficient mobility solutions.
She explained that the conference has been carefully designed to encourage practical engagements among critical stakeholders in the transportation ecosystem.
“The South East region remains one of Nigeria’s most vibrant economic hubs. However, like many rapidly urbanising regions across the country, it faces increasing challenges associated with traffic congestion, inadequate public transport systems, environmental degradation, road safety concerns, and the growing demand for efficient mobility solutions.
“These realities demand coordinated action, strategic planning, and stakeholder collaboration.
“The South East Zonal Transport Conference has therefore been designed as a strategic platform to facilitate high-level discussions on sustainable urban mobility, transport infrastructure development, clean energy transportation technologies, smart mobility systems, logistics efficiency, transport policy reforms, investment opportunities, and public-private sector collaboration”, Mrs Okere stated.
The South-East Zonal Coordinator of CIOTA added, that the gathering would bring together transport professionals, government officials, regulators, researchers, development agencies, captains of industry and transport operators to collectively explore practical solutions for the future of transportation.
Mrs Okere disclosed that Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, would serve as Chief Host of the conference, describing his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic transformation as instrumental to the state’s growing reputation as a destination for development-focused initiatives.
She announced that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Master Energy Group, Dr Uche Ogah, , would chair the conference, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission, Hon. Mark Okoye, would serve as Co-Chairman.
According to Mrs Okere, the conference will also feature a keynote presentation by Prof. Innocent Ogwude, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, whom she described as one of Nigeria’s leading scholars in transport technology.
She listed other expected contributors at the conference to include the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, among other transport professionals and policymakers.
Mrs Okere said the conference aligns with CIOTA’s mandate of promoting excellence in transport administration, policy development, research, education and professional practice, stressing that the institute remains committed to supporting governments at all levels in developing transportation systems that are safe, efficient, inclusive and environmentally responsible.
She expressed optimism that deliberations at the conference would generate recommendations capable of influencing policy formulation, investment decisions, institutional reforms and sustainable transport initiatives across the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.
The South-East Zonal Coordinator of CIOTA, called on stakeholders to participate actively in the conference, noting that collaboration was critical to transforming the transport sector.
“Together, we can build a transport system that not only supports economic growth but also enhances quality of life, promotes environmental sustainability and strengthens regional integration and national prosperity”, she said.
Contributing, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Mr Obioma Nwogbe, said Abia was selected to host the South-East Transport Conference because of the ongoing urban transport transformation championed by Governor Alex Otti.
The Governor’s Aide noted that initiatives such as the deployment of electric vehicles, the introduction of the Tap-and-Pay system, and the establishment of the modern Nnenna Otti Transport Terminal have positioned AbIa State as a model for sustainable urban mobility.
According to him, the conference will provide an opportunity for stakeholders across the South-East and beyond to witness firsthand the state’s achievements in smart and green transportation and also facilitate discussions that would shape future transport policies and master plans for the South East region and Nigeria at large.
