Abia State has taken a major step towards sustainable urban transportation with the official launch of the Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service by Governor Alex Otti. The initiative, unveiled on Monday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, marks the first state-owned electric mass transit system in Nigeria.
The first phase of the project features 20 fully electric buses deployed for public transportation across major routes in Umuahia, Aba, Umunneochi, Ohafia and parts of Ukwa Local Government Areas. As part of the rollout, the buses will offer free rides to commuters from Tuesday until January to familiarise residents with the new transport system.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti described the initiative as a bold and forward-looking investment aimed at aligning Abia State with global climate and sustainability goals. He explained that the project initially began as a plan to procure Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses but was later upgraded to electric vehicles in line with the global transition to net-zero emissions.
“Today marks a defining moment for Abia State as we deliberately move towards the future. While CNG buses are cleaner, they still emit carbon. We therefore decided to leapfrog into full electrification,” the governor said.
Governor Otti disclosed that the procurement process faced setbacks, including the need to redesign the buses to ensure full compliance with the needs of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). He confirmed that all 20 electric buses unveiled are now PWD-compliant.
The governor also revealed that the project nearly stalled following delays in the delivery of charging infrastructure after a vessel conveying the equipment was involved in a mid-sea accident. However, the state government improvised and successfully installed functional charging stations, with additional units expected soon.
According to him, the buses will operate on a scheduled basis, with commuters boarding on a first-come, first-served arrangement. He warned that misconduct would be monitored through onboard surveillance cameras and announced plans to establish public charging stations across Aba, Umuahia and other parts of the state. Residents were encouraged to consider electric vehicles as a cost-effective long-term transport option.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who commissioned the buses, described the project as timely and extraordinary in the global fight against pollution and climate change. She commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership, noting that the initiative would promote cleaner air and healthier cities.
Although Africa contributes only about three per cent of global carbon emissions, Okonjo-Iweala stressed that the continent must still play its role in promoting environmental sustainability. She expressed optimism that the electric bus service would mark the beginning of broader climate-smart transport reforms in Abia State.
Also speaking, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group, Dr Cosmos Maduka, said Abia had provided national leadership by becoming the first state to officially launch electric buses for public transportation in Nigeria. He revealed that while his company initially proposed CNG buses, Governor Otti insisted on full electrification.
“The governor was clear: it would be electric buses or nothing. Today, it is no longer a dream; it is a reality,” Maduka said.
He highlighted the modern features of the buses, including air-conditioning, surveillance cameras and onboard charging ports, and predicted that the service would gradually reduce reliance on tricycles and motorcycles in urban centres.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Chimezie Ukegbu, described the launch as a historic milestone in Abia’s transport evolution. He attributed the success of the project to Governor Otti’s forward-thinking leadership, noting that beyond environmental benefits, the initiative would deliver long-term economic gains through job creation and skills development.
Ukegbu assured residents that the Ministry of Transport would continue to expand the programme in collaboration with transport unions and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to modern mobility.
The ceremony climaxed with a test ride around Umuahia led by Governor Otti, signalling the official commencement of the Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service.
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