NEWS
South-East Transport Stakeholders to Gather in Umuahia for 2026 Green Mobility Conference
Transport experts, policymakers, investors, and key stakeholders from across Nigeria are set to converge in Umuahia, Abia State Capital, for the South-East Zonal Transport Conference 2026, a high-level forum focused on 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. The opening ceremony will take place on June 18 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.
Speaking during a media briefing held at the ICC on Wednesday, the South-East Zonal Coordinator of Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs Ijeoma Clara Okere, explained that the conference is designed as a strategic platform for stakeholders to address emerging transportation challenges and explore long-term, sustainable solutions for the region and the country.
She noted that the central theme of the conference, “Advancing Urban Transport Through Sustainable Urban Mobility and Green Energy Solution”, reflects the urgent need for Nigerian cities to embrace innovative, environmentally responsible, and economically viable transport systems capable of meeting the mobility demands of a rapidly growing population while supporting national development and environmental sustainability.
According to her, “the conference, themed, “Advancing Urban Transport Through Sustainable Urban Mobility and Green Energy Solution”, is intended to stimulate discussions on modern transportation systems capable of supporting economic growth and addressing environmental concerns.”
Mrs Okere further highlighted that despite being one of Nigeria’s most economically active regions, the South-East continues to face major transportation challenges, including traffic congestion, weak public transport infrastructure, environmental degradation, road safety concerns, and rising demand for efficient mobility systems.
She stressed that the conference has been deliberately structured to encourage practical, solution-driven engagements among stakeholders across the transport ecosystem.
“The South East region remains one of Nigeria’s most vibrant economic hubs. However, like many rapidly urbanising regions across the country, it faces increasing challenges associated with traffic congestion, inadequate public transport systems, environmental degradation, road safety concerns, and the growing demand for efficient mobility solutions.
“These realities demand coordinated action, strategic planning, and stakeholder collaboration.
“The South East Zonal Transport Conference has therefore been designed as a strategic platform to facilitate high-level discussions on sustainable urban mobility, transport infrastructure development, clean energy transportation technologies, smart mobility systems, logistics efficiency, transport policy reforms, investment opportunities, and public-private sector collaboration,” Mrs Okere stated.
She added that the conference will bring together transport professionals, government officials, regulators, researchers, development agencies, industry leaders, and transport operators to collectively design practical solutions for the future of transportation.
The South-East CIOTA coordinator also confirmed that the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, will serve as Chief Host of the event, noting that his administration’s ongoing infrastructure renewal and economic transformation agenda has positioned the state as a leading destination for development-focused engagements.
She further announced that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Master Energy Group, Dr. Uche Ogah, will chair the conference, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission, Hon. Mark Okoye, will serve as Co-Chairman.
In addition, the conference will feature a keynote presentation by Prof. Innocent Ogwude, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, who is widely regarded as a leading scholar in transport technology and logistics systems.
Other expected contributors include the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, alongside other transport professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
Mrs Okere reaffirmed that the conference aligns with CIOTA’s mandate of promoting excellence in transport administration, policy development, research, education, and professional practice. She emphasized that the institute remains committed to supporting all levels of government in building transport systems that are safe, efficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.
She expressed confidence that outcomes from the conference will produce actionable recommendations capable of shaping policy direction, investment decisions, institutional reforms, and sustainable transport innovations across the South-East and Nigeria at large.
“Together, we can build a transport system that not only supports economic growth but also enhances quality of life, promotes environmental sustainability and strengthens regional integration and national prosperity,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Abia State Government, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr Obioma Nwogba, said Abia was chosen to host the conference due to the ongoing transformation of the state’s transport system under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
He highlighted key initiatives such as the deployment of electric vehicles, the introduction of the Tap-and-Pay transport system, and the establishment of the modern Nnenna Otti Transport Terminal, which he said have positioned Abia as a model for sustainable urban mobility in Nigeria.
According to him, the conference will not only showcase Abia’s progress in smart and green transportation but will also provide a platform for stakeholders across the South-East and beyond to shape future transpo
rt policies and regional master plans.