Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Thursday commissioned 20 new electric buses to expand the state’s Green Shuttle transport scheme, describing the move as another step towards building a modern, inclusive and environmentally friendly transport system.
The governor disclosed this in a post on his official X account after the commissioning ceremony held at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.
According to Otti, the latest addition fulfills the commitment his administration made when the first batch of 20 electric buses was launched on December 23, 2025.
“At the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia today, we formally commissioned 20 new electric buses, adding them to the Abia Green Shuttle fleet. This fulfills the promise we made when the first set of 20 buses were launched on December 23, 2025,” he said.
The governor noted that transportation remains a key driver of economic development, stressing that the investment in electric vehicles would improve mobility while supporting the state’s environmental goals.
“Transportation is one of the driving forces behind Abia’s economic growth, opening doors to new opportunities and improving the wellbeing of our people. By embracing electric vehicles, we are not only lowering operational costs and reducing emissions, but also advancing our vision of a modern, inclusive, and greener Abia.”
Otti explained that the newly commissioned buses come with larger cargo compartments and accessibility features designed to serve persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“The new buses are equipped with expanded cargo capacity and integrated accessibility features for persons with disabilities (PWDs), thus promoting inclusivity, dignity, and universal access for all passengers,” he added.
The governor also announced tougher enforcement of traffic regulations across the state, warning that reckless driving, overloading and traffic violations would no longer be tolerated.
“We are committed to strictly enforcing traffic regulations, with zero tolerance for reckless driving, beating traffic lights, or vehicle overloading. The Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) and the Harmonized Task Force will now extend operations till 10 pm daily, including weekends, to safeguard lives and property,” he stated.
Otti commended the Interagency Transport team led by Mr. Chinenye Mba Uzoukwu for its commitment to the transport initiative, while assuring that government assets would be protected.
“Special thanks to the Interagency Transport team led by Mr. Chinenye Mba Uzoukwu for their dedication. Proper management of our transport assets and staff welfare remain top priorities. Acts of sabotage or vandalism will be thoroughly investigated, and culprits will face the law,” he said.
The governor, further, urged residents to fulfill their tax obligations, saying increased revenue would help the state sustain ongoing development projects.
“As we build the new Abia, I urge our citizens to take their tax obligations seriously. Together, we will continue closing the gap between where we are and where we aspire to be, while building a transport system that embodies the vision of a New Abia and creates greater opportunities for every citizen,” Otti said.