BUSINESS
ABIA GOES GREEN AS GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI LAUNCHES FIRST PHASE OF ABIA GREEN SHUTTLE, UNVEILS 20 ELECTRIC BUSES IN BOLD CLIMATE-SMART TRANSPORT REVOLUTION
— Offers Free Rides to Commuters Starting from Tomorrow Through January, 2026
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Monday, December 22, 2025, officially launched the First Phase of the Abia Green Shuttle Ev Bus Service, unveiling 20 Electric Buses for public transportation in a landmark move aimed at redefining mobility, sustainability and urban transportation in the State.
The historic commissioning ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, marked a major leap in Abia State’s journey towards clean energy adoption, reduced carbon emissions and modern public transportation systems that align with global climate action goals.
The newly unveiled Electric Buses, which will commence operations immediately, are expected to ply major routes across Umuahia, Aba, Umunneochi, Ohafia and Ukwa Local Government Areas. In a people-centred approach, the buses will offer free rides to commuters starting from tomorrow through January, allowing residents to familiarise themselves with the new transport system.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti described the initiative as a bold statement of intent and a deliberate investment in the future of Abia State, stressing that the project reflects his administration’s resolve to align the State with global best practices in sustainability and climate responsibility.
The Governor explained that the project originally commenced as a plan to procure Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses but was consciously upgraded to Electric Vehicles to fully align with the global transition towards net-zero carbon emissions.
“Today is a special day for us in Abia State as it defines our movement towards the future. Like has been explained, the journey started with Compressed Natural Gas powered buses. But then we had in mind the target that the world is headed towards and that is net zero emission.
“We knew that even though CNGs are cleaner gases, they are also not without emissions. And we thought we should leapfrog and go to electric buses”, Governor Otti added.
Governor Otti further disclosed that the procurement process was not without challenges, particularly the need to redesign the buses to ensure full compliance with the needs of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
“At some point we realised that they were not PWD compliant and we had to start afresh to ensure that they were built in. And I can announce today that the 20 electric buses here are PWD compliant”, he said.
He also revealed that the project nearly suffered delays following a mid-sea accident involving the vessel conveying the charging infrastructure.
However, the State Government improvised and successfully deployed functional charging stations pending the arrival of additional facilities.
“So we now had to put on our thinking caps and somehow we found a solution. And today we have charging stations here. We are expecting a few more,” he stated.
According to the Governor, the Electric Buses will operate on a scheduled system, with commuters required to queue at designated bus stops, adding that orderliness and discipline would be strictly enforced.
“For this period between tomorrow and sometime in January these buses will take our citizens to and through free of charge. You get into the bus stations, you queue up. Once the bus arrives it is first come first served,” Governor Otti said.
He warned that any form of misconduct would be tracked through onboard surveillance cameras and announced plans to install public charging stations across Aba, Umuahia and other parts of the State. Governor Otti also encouraged residents to consider Electric Vehicles as a more affordable and sustainable long-term transportation option.
Commissioning the buses, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, described the initiative as “extraordinary” and timely, particularly in the face of the global fight against pollution and climate change.
She congratulated Governor Otti and his team for what she described as visionary leadership, noting that the project would significantly contribute to cleaner air, healthier cities and sustainable development.
“One of the biggest things we suffer from in the world is the problem of pollution and climate change.
“Even though Africa contributes only three percent of global carbon emissions, yet all of us have to contribute to a better climate for the world,” she said.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala expressed optimism that the Abia Green Shuttle would serve as a catalyst for broader environmentally friendly transport reforms in the State.
“So the fact that in Abia State, we are doing something extraordinary in bringing these buses is just a delightful thing. I hope that this is just the beginning and we will go from strength to strength”, the WTO boss said.
She congratulated the Abia State Government on the achievement and urged it to sustain the momentum in climate-smart development initiatives.
In his remarks, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmos Maduka, declared that Abia State has provided national leadership by becoming the first State in Nigeria to officially launch Electric Buses for public transportation.
“This afternoon, Abia State is the first official State that is launching Electric Buses into this country. And there’s no doubt that other States are going to follow suit,” he said.
Dr. Maduka revealed that although his company initially proposed CNG buses to the State Government, Governor Otti remained firm on full electrification.
“We did everything we can to convince him to go CNG, but he insisted it would be electrification or nothing. it’s not a dream anymore, it’s a reality,” Dr. Maduka said.
He highlighted the advanced features of the Electric Buses, including air-conditioning systems, surveillance cameras and onboard charging ports, stressing that the service was designed to cater for all social classes. He also predicted that the buses would gradually reduce reliance on tricycles and motorcycles in Abia’s urban centres, assuring residents of comfort and efficiency.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukegbu, described the launch as a historic milestone in the evolution of Abia State’s transport sector, attributing its success to Governor Otti’s forward-thinking leadership.
“This event marks a historic milestone in our journey. This initiative is a direct product of his (Governor Otti’s)!forward-thinking agenda and his resolve to reposition Abia State as a hub of innovation, sustainability and inclusive development,” the Commissioner said.
Mr. Ukegbu noted that beyond environmental benefits, the electric bus programme would deliver long-term economic gains, including job creation, skills development and technical training.
“Electric buses are more cost effective to operate and maintain in the long run. This programme also opens new opportunities for skills development, technical training and job creation”, he added.
He assured residents that the Ministry of Transport would continue to expand the initiative in collaboration with transport unions and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition to clean and modern mobility.
“This is not an end but a beginning. It is about safe routes, cleaner air, modern mobility and a future we can all be proud of”, Ukegbu said.
The ceremony climaxed with a test ride around Umuahia city, led by Governor Alex Otti, formally signalling the commencement of the Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service and reinforcing Abia State’s position as a trailblazer in sustainable urban transportation in Nigeria.