NEWS
“Transportation Is the Oil That Lubricates the Wheels of Prosperity“ — Governor Alex Otti Says, Expands Abia’s Green Shuttle Fleet with 20 New Electric Buses, Extends Traffic Enforcement to 10pm
Abia State has taken another bold leap in its ongoing transportation revolution as His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, commissioned 20 additional electric buses into the State-owned Green Shuttle fleet, further strengthening his administration’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, environmentally sustainable and economically transformative transport system.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal, Umuahia, also witnessed the announcement of a major policy shift aimed at improving road safety and traffic management across the State.
Governor Otti disclosed that the operational hours of the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) and other traffic enforcement agencies have now been extended to 10:00 p.m. daily, including weekends, to ensure stricter compliance with traffic regulations and enhance public safety.
The latest expansion of the Green Shuttle fleet marks another milestone in Governor Otti’s comprehensive transport transformation agenda, which has steadily redefined public transportation in Abia through innovation, infrastructure renewal, technology-driven services and clean energy solutions. The initiative further demonstrates the administration’s determination to create a transportation ecosystem that supports economic growth, attracts investment, promotes environmental sustainability and improves the daily lives of residents.
Addressing guests at the event, Governor Otti described transportation as one of the strongest pillars of economic development and social progress, emphasizing that no society can truly prosper without a functional, reliable and accessible transport network. He reaffirmed that his administration remains unwavering in its resolve to build a transportation system that is modern, efficient, environmentally friendly and capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly developing State.
The Governor also sounded a strong warning against criminal activities capable of undermining government investments in public transportation. He cautioned against sabotage, vandalism, indiscipline and all forms of reckless behaviour on the roads, stressing that his administration would not tolerate actions that threaten public safety or destroy public assets.
“No one has the right to violate traffic regulations or endanger the lives and property of others. Beating traffic lights, driving against traffic, overloading and reckless parking will attract severe sanctions,”“ Governor Otti warned.
To reinforce discipline and accountability, Governor Otti announced the establishment of an independent monitoring team that will oversee enforcement operations, evaluate compliance levels and recommend additional measures where necessary to strengthen traffic management across the State.
He further charged the inter-agency transport management team to remain vigilant in protecting government-owned transport infrastructure, ensuring proper maintenance of buses and terminals, prioritising staff welfare and guaranteeing that individuals found sabotaging public facilities face prosecution in accordance with the law.
“Whoever attempts to drag us back to the darkness of the past will have a very difficult time.
“We are determined to close the gap between where we are and where we want to be,“ Governor Otti affirmed.
Reflecting on the journey so far, the Governor recalled that the first fleet of electric buses was introduced in December 2025, describing the commissioning of the additional buses as another significant step towards bridging transportation gaps across the State and expanding access to reliable mobility for residents.
Highlighting the strategic importance of transportation to economic prosperity, Governor Otti declared:
“Transportation is the oil that lubricates the wheels of prosperity. It moves people, drives commerce and expands the frontiers of opportunity.
“The progress of any civilisation ultimately depends on how its transport system evolves to meet the realities of the time,“ the Governor stated.
Governor Otti explained that the State’s adoption of electric buses is driven by a deliberate policy to reduce transportation costs, protect the environment, embrace clean energy and position Abia as a leading destination for innovative and sustainable public transportation in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the newly commissioned buses are equipped with larger cargo compartments and special facilities designed to accommodate persons living with disabilities, making public transportation more inclusive while improving service delivery.
According to him, the expanded fleet will provide affordable, safe and dependable transportation services to more communities within and outside Abia State.
The Governor noted that within just seven months, the State’s public transport sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation characterised by orderly passenger queues, technology-driven payment systems, improved operational efficiency and service standards comparable to what obtains in advanced transportation systems around the world.
While calling on residents to support government through prompt payment of taxes, Governor Otti stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved when citizens actively partner with government by fulfilling their civic responsibilities. He also reassured transport operators that his administration remains receptive to constructive engagement following concerns raised by some informal transport operators.
“If you have genuine concerns, communicate with us. This administration is responsible enough to listen and address legitimate challenges,“ Governor Otti assured.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the occasion as another landmark in Governor Otti’s transformational leadership, noting that the administration has fundamentally repositioned public transportation in Abia through visionary investments in innovation, clean energy and people-centred policies.
He explained that the addition of the 20 electric buses would significantly expand both intra-city and inter-city transportation services, offering workers, students, families and other commuters more affordable, comfortable, safe and reliable mobility options across the State.
Dr. Ukaegbu further stated that beyond enhancing mobility, the investment reflects government’s commitment to sustainable development through continuous improvements in transport infrastructure, maintenance systems, operational planning and environmentally friendly zero-emission transportation.
The Commissioner applauded Governor Otti for laying the foundation for a future-ready transportation system capable of supporting the State’s growing economy.
He assured that the buses would be professionally managed and properly maintained while urging residents to safeguard public assets and encouraging drivers and transport operators to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and full compliance with road safety regulations.
The commissioning ceremony attracted members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Mayor, political appointees, transport stakeholders, development partners and other distinguished guests from various sectors, all of whom witnessed another defining moment in the ongoing transformation of Abia State’s transport sec
tor under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.