Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has commissioned an additional 20 electric buses for the Abia Green Shuttle Service, expanding the state’s clean energy-powered public transport fleet and delivering on his administration’s pledge to build a modern, affordable transportation system for residents.
The commissioning of the new buses increased the state’s electric bus fleet to 40, following the launch of the first batch of 20 buses in December 2025.
The expansion is expected to improve commuter mobility, extend the reach of the Abia Green Shuttle Service to more destinations within and outside the state and reinforce the government’s commitment to clean energy and efficient public transportation.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, on Thursday, at the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, Governor Otti said the initiative underscores his administration’s determination to provide affordable, efficient and environmentally sustainable public transportation for residents.
The Governor who described transportation as a catalyst for economic prosperity, 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.
He noted that the buses were designed with larger cargo compartments and facilities for persons living with disabilities to improve accessibility and service delivery.
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 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 while adding that an independent monitoring team would be established to assess compliance with the directive, also warned that acts of sabotage, vandalism and other criminal activities against public transport assets would attract severe consequences.
He recalled that the first set of electric buses was inaugurated by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in December 2025, saying the latest rollout fulfilled the administration’s promise to continually expand the fleet.
The governor appealed to residents to fulfil their tax obligations, pointing out that sustained revenue generation is essential to maintaining critical infrastructure and delivering improved public services.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukegbu, described the commissioning as another significant milestone in the state’s transport transformation agenda.
Dr Ukegbu 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.
The commissioner noted that the state government has 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 the Governor Otti led administration for chosing to build the future rather than merely manage the present through bold investments in modern transportation.
The event was attended by the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles, Barr. Ismael Ahmed and the MD/CEO of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Takang, among other dignitaries.
