NEWS
GOV. ALEX OTTI COMMISSIONS PROF. NNENNA OTI CENTRAL BUS TERMINAL, DECLARES END OF “PLAYING SMALL” IN ABIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, AS ASTOPU JOINS CELEBRATION OF ABIA’S TRANSPORT REVOLUTION
The Executive Governor ofAbia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has officially commissioned the newly built Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, delivering yet another landmark infrastructure project that has further transformed the landscape of Umuahia and reinforced the administration’s bold urban renewal and transportation agenda.
The commissioning ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, attracted a mammoth crowd comprising government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, transport unions, community leaders, business stakeholders and residents who gathered to witness what many described as a defining moment in the infrastructural rebirth of Abia State.
The colourful event also witnessed the active participation and solidarity of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), whose members turned out in large numbers to celebrate what they described as a major leap forward in the State’s transportation sector under the leadership of Governor Otti.
Commissioning the gigantic transport facility, Governor Otti officially named it the “Prof. Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal,” describing the ultra-modern project as a bold symbol of the new Abia and clear evidence that the State has moved beyond mediocrity and underdevelopment in infrastructure delivery.
According to the Governor, the terminal stands as a practical demonstration of his administration’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure capable of driving economic growth, improving transportation efficiency and restoring public confidence in governance.
Gov. Otti explained that the facility, which has the capacity to accommodate over 340 buses simultaneously, forms part of the broader transportation reform agenda of his administration aimed at creating an organised, safe and efficient transport system across Abia State.
He noted that after successfully delivering hundreds of kilometres of roads across the State, his government has expanded its focus to modern transport infrastructure, including bus terminals, bus shelters, traffic management systems and electric buses designed to modernise public transportation in Abia.
According to Governor Otti, “The days of playing small are over in Abia State. What we are building is a modern transport ecosystem that supports commerce, mobility, safety, and economic prosperity for our people.” Governor Otti said.
The Governor further disclosed that the terminal was carefully designed with emphasis on accessibility, environmental sustainability, commuter comfort and inclusive provisions for persons living with disabilities.
He revealed that Abia State currently operates 20 electric buses on both intra-city and inter-city routes, while another batch of 20 electric buses alongside 30 additional buses presently under construction would soon arrive in the State to further strengthen the transport system.
Governor Otti also explained that similar transport infrastructure projects are ongoing in Aba, including the construction of another modern bus terminal, bus shelters and strategic junction upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow and commuter experience within the commercial city.
Speaking on the decision to name the terminal after Professor Nnenna Oti, the Governor praised her courage, integrity and unwavering commitment to truth during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.
“Professor Nnenna Oti stood firmly on the side of truth at a critical moment in our State’s history.
“By doing the right thing despite enormous pressure, she restored public confidence in the electoral process and became a symbol of integrity for future generations,” Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti used the opportunity to urge residents, business owners and community leaders to continue supporting the developmental efforts of government through prompt payment of taxes, stressing that taxation remains critical to sustainable development and continued infrastructural expansion.
He noted that communities benefiting from government projects must also demonstrate civic responsibility, accountability and collective ownership towards protecting public infrastructure and supporting the growth of the State.
In an emotional moment during the event, the Governor paid glowing tribute to the late former Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, who initiated the process that eventually led to the completion of the terminal project.
Describing his death as painful and unfortunate, Governor Otti directed that a minute silence be observed in honour of the late Commissioner whose contributions to the transport reform vision of the administration were acknowledged by many speakers at the ceremony.
Earlier in his speech, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Nmeregini, commended Governor Otti for what he described as intentional, purposeful and people-oriented governance across Abia State.
He stated that members of the State House of Assembly were proud of the ongoing infrastructural transformation taking place in Umuahia and across various parts of the State under the present administration.
According to him, Governor Otti has restored dignity, transparency and confidence in governance through faithful execution of projects approved by the legislature and prudent management of public resources.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the terminal as a major milestone in the transformation journey of Abia State through visionary leadership and strategic infrastructure development.
He noted that beyond serving as a transport hub, the facility symbolises modernisation, orderliness, urban renewal, safer transport operations and economic growth.
The Commissioner further explained that the terminal would significantly improve traffic management within Umuahia, reduce congestion, enhance passenger comfort and safety, create employment opportunities and boost the State’s internally generated revenue.
He commended engineers, consultants, contractors, transport unions, the transport infrastructure team and other stakeholders whose collective contributions ensured the successful completion of the project.
In her remarks, Professor Nnenna Oti expressed deep appreciation to Governor Otti and the Government of Abia State for the honour bestowed on her, while reaffirming the importance of integrity, accountability and responsible leadership in public service.
She stressed the need for leaders to remain committed to truth and justice at all times, expressing optimism that Nigeria would continue to evolve into a nation where honesty, transparency and fairness thrive.
Professor Oti further stated that she stood firmly on the side of truth during the 2023 elections and ensured that the votes of the people counted despite enormous pressure.
Speaking on behalf of the project designers and developers, the Managing Director of Planet Projects, Mr. Biodium Otunola, described the Prof. Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal as the best transport facility his company has ever constructed anywhere in Nigeria.
According to him, Governor Otti maintained uncompromising standards throughout the execution of the project and repeatedly delayed commissioning until every aspect of the terminal met world-class specifications and quality standards.
He disclosed that the facility features over 62 air conditioners, more than 30 public conveniences, 22 shops, commercial centres, a restaurant and a motel designed to provide comfort and convenience for commuters, visitors and business operators.
Mr. Otunola added that the terminal forms part of a comprehensive transport reform programme already delivering traffic lights, bus stations, road signs and street lighting across Umuahia.
Earlier in his remarks, the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Government took the mammoth crowd through the journey leading to the successful delivery of the project and commended Governor Otti alongside members of the project delivery team for working tirelessly to achieve what he described as a world-class transport terminal.
The event was attended by the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the National and State Assemblies, top government officials, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, transport union
leaders, stakeholders and residents from across the State.