Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has inaugurated 20 additional electric buses for the Abia Green Shuttle Service as part of efforts to expand safe, affordable and environmentally friendly public transportation across the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the buses were inaugurated on Thursday at the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.
Speaking at the event, Otti said the new fleet would expand transportation services within and outside Abia State, adding that its deployment fulfilled his administration’s promise to increase the number of buses after the first batch of 20 electric buses was launched in December 2025.
The governor said the latest buses have larger cargo compartments and facilities designed to improve accessibility for persons living with disabilities.
According to him, the investment is consistent with the state’s policy of promoting cost-effective and sustainable transportation while encouraging greater private-sector participation in the sector.
Otti said Abia’s transport system had recorded significant improvements in recent months through investments in modern infrastructure, including the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal, technology-driven ticketing systems and more reliable shuttle services.
The governor, however, warned motorists against violating traffic regulations, including driving against traffic, beating traffic lights, overloading and illegal parking.
He said offenders would henceforth face stiffer sanctions.
Otti directed the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) and the Harmonised Taskforce to extend enforcement operations to 10pm daily, including weekends, while deploying more personnel to major roads.
He also announced plans to establish an independent monitoring team to ensure compliance with traffic regulations.
The governor further directed officials managing the state’s transport assets to prioritise the maintenance of buses, terminals and bus shelters, while ensuring the welfare of staff.
He ordered thorough investigations and prosecution of cases involving vandalism and sabotage of transport infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the additional buses would expand intra-city and inter-city routes while improving access to safe and affordable transportation.
Ukaegbu added that measures had been put in place to ensure the efficient utilisation and maintenance of the new fleet.
