NEWS
Dr. Uche Ogah to Chair South-East Transport Conference 2026 in Umuahia
Transport experts, policymakers, investors, and stakeholders from across Nigeria are set to converge in Umuahia, Abia State Capital, for the South-East Zonal Transport Conference 2026, a major forum aimed at advancing sustainable urban mobility and green energy transportation solutions.
The conference, organised by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) in collaboration with the Abia State Government, is scheduled to hold from June 17 to 19, 2026, with the opening ceremony billed for June 18 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.
A major highlight of the upcoming conference is the appointment of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Master Energy Group, Dr Uche Ogah, as Chairman of the conference.
Speaking during a media briefing at the ICC on Wednesday, the South-East Zonal Coordinator of CIOTA and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs Ijeoma Clara Okere, described the conference as a strategic platform designed to address emerging transportation challenges and promote sustainable solutions for the South-East and Nigeria at large.
She noted that the conference, themed “Advancing Urban Transport Through Sustainable Urban Mobility and Green Energy Solution”, is expected to drive conversations around modern, environmentally friendly, and economically viable transport systems capable of supporting economic growth while addressing environmental concerns.
According to her, the theme reflects the urgent need for Nigerian cities to adopt innovative transport models that can accommodate growing urban populations while ensuring environmental sustainability and long-term development.
Mrs Okere explained that despite being one of Nigeria’s most economically active regions, the South-East continues to grapple with challenges such as traffic congestion, weak public transport systems, environmental degradation, road safety concerns, and increasing demand for efficient mobility solutions.
She stressed that the conference has been carefully structured to encourage practical engagement among stakeholders across the transport ecosystem, adding that it will serve as a hub for discussions on transport infrastructure development, clean energy mobility, smart transport systems, logistics efficiency, policy reforms, investment opportunities, and public-private partnerships.
She further disclosed that the conference will bring together transport professionals, government officials, regulators, researchers, development agencies, industry leaders, and operators to collectively develop actionable solutions for the future of transportation.
Mrs Okere also confirmed that the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, will serve as Chief Host of the conference, describing his administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda as a key driver of Abia’s growing reputation as a destination for development-focused engagements.
She added that alongside Dr. Uche Ogah as Chairman, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission, Hon. Mark Okoye, will serve as Co-Chairman of the conference.
According to her, the conference will also feature a keynote presentation by Prof. Innocent Ogwude, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, alongside other top transport scholars, policymakers, and industry experts.
Mrs Okere reaffirmed CIOTA’s commitment to promoting excellence in transport administration, research, and policy development, stressing that the institute remains dedicated to supporting governments in building safe, efficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable transport systems.
She expressed optimism that the outcome of the conference would produce far-reaching recommendations capable of influencing transport policy reforms, investment decisions, and sustainable mobility initiatives across the region and the country.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwogba, said Abia was chosen to host the conference because of ongoing reforms in the state’s transport sector under Governor Alex Otti.
He highlighted initiatives such as the deployment of electric vehicles, the introduction of the Tap-and-Pay system, and the establishment of the modern Nnenna Otti Transport Terminal, noting that these innovations have positioned Abia as a model for sustainable urban mobility in Nigeria.
He added that the conference will provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to assess Abia’s progress and contribute to shaping future transport policies and regional development frameworks.