Abia Govt. acquires additional 20 electric buses, warns against traffic violations

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Umuahia, Aug. 6, 2026

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has inaugurated an additional 20 electric buses for the state’s mass transit scheme, bringing the fleet to 40, while warning that traffic offenders would henceforth face stiffer sanctions.

Speaking during the inauguration of the new buses on Thursday, at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, Otti said that his administration would no longer tolerate violations of traffic regulations that endanger lives and property.

He listed offences to include beating traffic lights, driving against traffic, overloading, illegal parking and other reckless driving practices.

“There is no tolerance for wilfully violating the law. Those who attempt to test our resolve will receive the appropriate response,” he said.

The governor directed the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) and the State Harmonised Task Force to extend their operational hours to 10 p.m. daily, including weekends, to strengthen enforcement.

He also ordered the agencies to deploy more personnel and resources on major roads across the state and ensure that offenders were prosecuted in line with existing laws.

Otti disclosed that an independent monitoring team would be established to assess compliance with the directive and recommend further actions where necessary.

He reiterated that no individual had the right to endanger the lives of other road users through recklessness, impatience or poor judgment.

On the transport initiative, Otti said the adoption of electric vehicles reflected the administration’s commitment to cost-effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation.

According to him, the government introduced the first batch of 20 electric buses in December 2025 and had promised residents that additional buses would be procured.

“Today, we are fulfilling that promise by adding another 20 electric buses to the Abia Green Shuttle fleet, and we are still not done,” he said.

The governor said that the new buses were equipped with larger cargo compartments and facilities to accommodate persons living with disabilities, adding that they would improve service delivery and expand transport services within and outside the state.

He noted that the state’s public transport system had witnessed significant transformation over the past several months through strategic investments, including the commissioning of the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in May.

According to him, residents were gradually embracing organised public transportation, with orderly queues, technology-driven payment systems and more reliable services becoming the new standard.

Otti said that the reforms were aimed at ensuring that quality public transport was accessible to all residents, irrespective of their social status.

He, however, warned against sabotage and vandalism of government transport assets, directing that all cases of criminal damage must be thoroughly investigated and offenders prosecuted.

The governor urged relevant agencies to prioritise proper management of buses, terminals and bus shelters, while ensuring the welfare of staff.

He also appealed to residents to fulfil their tax obligations, saying government required sustained revenue to continue delivering infrastructure and social services.

On reported concerns by some transport operators, Otti said government had received security reports of disturbances involving some unofficial operators.

He assured that the administration remained open to constructive engagement and would address legitimate grievances through lawful and responsible channels.

“The mission of this administration is to serve the people, improve their socio-economic well-being and create opportunities for everyone to thrive,” Otti said.

In his address, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said that the addition of 20 electric buses reflects the government’s commitment to innovation, clean energy and people-centred governance.

Ukaegbu said that the new vehicles would expand intra-city and inter-city transport services, providing residents with affordable, safe and comfortable transportation.

He said that the buses would improve access to public transport for workers, students, children and families across the state.

According to him, the initiative goes beyond mobility and was aimed at building a modern, efficient and sustainable transport system.

The commissioner said that the state government was also investing in charging infrastructure, maintenance facilities and route planning to ensure the efficient operation of the electric bus fleet.

He said that the buses would contribute to environmental sustainability by eliminating tailpipe emissions, thereby improving air quality across the state.

“This achievement demonstrates the difference between a government that only manages the present and one that deliberately builds for the future.

“The administration is not just improving transportation but transforming lives and changing the narrative in Abia,” he said.

Ukaegbu assured that the Ministry of Transport and its agencies would ensure the buses were professionally managed and properly maintained for the benefit of residents.

He urged the people of the state to protect the buses and other transport infrastructure to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

The commissioner also called on drivers and operators to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to traffic regulations and road safety standards.

He said that the state’s transport reforms were positioning Abia for a safer, cleaner, more efficient and accessible public transportation system.