Otti Commissions 20 Electric Buses
UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has commissioned 20 additional electric buses for the state’s Green Shuttle fleet and extended the operational hours of the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency and other traffic enforcement authorities to 10pm daily, including weekends.
Otti announced the measures on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during the commissioning of the buses at the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.
The governor described transportation as a critical driver of economic growth and social development, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a modern, environmentally friendly and efficient transport system.
He, however, warned against sabotage, vandalism and indiscipline capable of undermining the state’s transport system, saying the government would not tolerate criminality or reckless conduct on the roads.
“No one has the right to violate traffic regulations or endanger the lives and property of others. Beating traffic lights, driving against traffic, overloading and reckless parking will attract severe sanctions,” Otti warned.
Otti Commissions 20 Electric Buses
To ensure compliance, the governor announced the establishment of an independent monitoring team to evaluate enforcement activities and recommend further action where necessary.
He also charged the inter-agency transport management team with protecting government transport assets, maintaining buses and terminals, prioritising staff welfare and ensuring that anyone found sabotaging public infrastructure was prosecuted.
“Whoever attempts to drag us back to the darkness of the past will have a very difficult time. We are determined to close the gap between where we are and where we want to be,” Otti said.
Otti recalled that the first fleet of electric buses was launched in December 2025, describing the latest addition as another significant milestone in efforts to close the transportation gap in the state.
“Transportation is the oil that lubricates the wheels of prosperity. It moves people, drives commerce and expands the frontiers of opportunity.
“The progress of any civilisation ultimately depends on how its transport system evolves to meet the realities of the time,” the governor stated.
He said the decision to adopt electric vehicles was driven by the need to provide cost-effective transportation, protect the environment and position Abia to benefit from emerging global transportation trends based on clean energy and technological innovation.
According to him, the newly commissioned buses have larger cargo compartments and facilities for persons living with disabilities, adding that they would improve service delivery and extend affordable, safe and reliable transportation to more destinations within and outside Abia State.
The governor said the transformation recorded in the state’s public transport sector over the past seven months had introduced orderly queues, technology-driven payment systems and dependable services comparable to global standards.
He also appealed to residents to fulfil their tax obligations, stressing that sustainable development required a partnership between citizens and government through responsible tax compliance.
Otti further assured transport operators that the government remained open to constructive dialogue following reports of concerns among some informal transport operators.
“If you have genuine concerns, communicate with us. This administration is responsible enough to listen and address legitimate challenges,” he assured.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the commissioning as a celebration of visionary leadership and transformational governance.
Ukaegbu said Otti’s investments had repositioned public transportation in Abia through innovation, clean energy and people-centred policies.
He said the additional 20 electric buses would significantly expand intra-city and inter-city operations, providing affordable, safe and comfortable transportation for workers, students, families and other commuters across the state.
According to the commissioner, the initiative goes beyond improving mobility, as it also demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainable development through investment in infrastructure, maintenance systems and route planning.
He added that the electric buses would contribute to cleaner air through zero-emission transportation.
Ukaegbu commended the governor for building a future-oriented transport system and assured that the buses would be professionally managed and properly maintained for the benefit of residents.
He urged residents to protect public assets and encouraged drivers and operators to maintain professionalism and discipline while complying strictly with road safety regulations.
The event attracted dignitaries from various walks of life.
