Gov Otti explains reasons for acquiring electric buses to drive Abia transportation scheme By Charles Ogugbuaja, Ph.D.

-announces traffic laws compliance, enforcement measures

Governor Alex Otti, OFR, of Abia State has explained that his administration chose acquisition of electric buses in the state’s transformed transportation scheme to enthrone cost -effectiveness, cost – benefit -analysis measures, green- clean energy and environment- friendly intra- city, inter -city and inter -state route operations, in line with the modern global standards.

Gov Otti gave the insights on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during the inauguration of additional 20 electric buses to hitherto, existing 20 buses in a colourful ceremony at the expansive Prof. Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Isi Gate, Umuahia.

The state can confidently boast of 40 fossil fuel -free buses shuttling commuters within and outside the state.

The Abia number one citizen also directed the extension of the working hours of the field officials of the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA), and related task force personnel with streamlined shift systems to 10p.m. daily (including Saturdays and Sundays) to ensure strict compliance to traffic laws and regulations, irrespective of the calibre of the road users.

Gov Otti likened the Abia transportation initiative to a critical driver of economic and social developments.

He warned against acts of “vandalism, sabotage, indiscipline, criminality, and reckless conducts” among other vices.

The Governor said: “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. 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.

“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.”

Gov Otti announced the establishment of an independent monitoring and evaluation team, cascading to recommendations to higher authorities for further necessary actions, to ensure compliance to the operations.

He directed the inter-agency team to protect government assets, maintenance of the buses, ensuring prioritising staff welfare, and punish offenders.

Recalling the efforts of the transport scheme since December 2025 it was flagged-off, Gov Otti noted a significant milestone recorded.

He disclosed that the buses were fitted with larger cargo compartments for the physically challenged persons to ensure improved service delivery, affordability, safe and reliable journeys of the passengers, maintaining that the introduced orderly queues, technology-driven payment systems, and dependable services comparable to global standards, must be sustained.

He urged citizens to pay their taxes appropriately to enable the state government serve them better with necessary amenities, stressing that constructive dialogue and feedback from the public were open, symbiotically.

“If you have genuine concerns, communicate with us. This administration is responsible enough to listen and address legitimate challenges,” Gov Otti urged.

In his address, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, commended the Abia Governor for the initiative in repositioning public transportation sector in the state via clean energy, laced with people – centric policies, noting that the total 40 electric buses would enhance the lives of workers, students, families and other commuters across the State and beyond. He reminded that the innovation incorporated infrastructure maintenance, route planning, and promotion of cleaner air through zero-emission transportation technology.

Dr. Ukaegbu assured the governor and masses that he would ensure that the buses would be
professionally managed and properly maintained, warning the drivers and operators involved in the buses to uphold professionalism, discipline, and strict compliance to the road safety regulation and laws.

WRITER’S NOTE: Again, the good Lord has done it for us, through Gov Alex Otti, OFR. The transportation fleets are moving in a trajectory manner.

ABOUT ABIA

Abia, one of the 36 states in Nigeria, meaning the various blocs of Aba, Bende, Isiukwuato, and Afikpo, was created in August 7, 1991, by the erstwhile military President of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd). The state has moved from the yesteryears of cankerworm to the present glorious and liberated era under the watch of His Excellency, Gov Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

Dr. Ogugbuaja, an advocate of good governance, leadership, and a deep supporter of good governance in Abia State, holds a B.Sc. (Mass Comm), an M.Sc. (Mass Comm), an M.Sc. (International Affairs & Diplomacy), a Ph.D. (Mass Comm), a PGDE, a Certified Teacher (TRCN), a Dip. (Desktop & Graphics), a Cert.(Biz Mgt. & Enterpr), a Cert.(Population & Demography studies), & a Cert.(Printing).

August 7, 2026