Abia Converts Free Green Shuttle to Fare-Paying Service, Announces TechRise Cohort 3

The Abia State Government has transitioned its mass transit initiative, the Green Shuttle, from a free service to a commercial fare-paying system as part of efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu explained that the transition began on March 1, 2026, with the state government introducing a 50 per cent fare subsidy approved by Governor Otti.

According to him, the subsidy covers all inter- and intra-city routes currently served under the bus scheme.

He noted that the move to commercialise the service is aimed at strengthening operational efficiency while maintaining affordability for commuters.

Kanu further revealed that the new system incorporates an e-ticketing platform using the Abia Connect Card. However, commuters must first obtain the Abia State Social Insurance Number (ABSSIN) as a prerequisite for accessing the card.

To ensure smooth implementation, he said the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with agencies such as the Harmonised Task Force, Homeland Security and the Abia State Road Traffic Management Agency, has commenced stakeholder engagement, sensitisation and enforcement activities across the state.

“These agencies have been assisting commuters at bus stops and shelters across Aba and Umuahia to adapt to the new system,” he said.

He added that ABSSIN enumerators have been deployed to various bus shelters and designated locations to help residents register, while “touch and pay” agents responsible for loading funds into the Abia Connect Cards have also been stationed at the same locations.

Kanu disclosed that the state currently has 70 bus shelters—30 in Umuahia and 40 in Aba. While all 30 shelters in Umuahia are operational, 38 in Aba are already in use, with the remaining two nearing completion.

Providing an update on the performance of the transport scheme, the commissioner said a total of 202,601 passengers had used the service between its launch on December 24, 2025, and March 8, 2026.

On youth empowerment, Kanu announced that the government will soon launch Cohort 3 of the Abia TechRise programme, an initiative aimed at equipping young people in the state with digital technology skills.

He said a registration portal for interested participants would be opened soon, while further details would be communicated in due course.

According to him, about 1,350 youths have already been trained under the first two cohorts of the programme.

Speaking on infrastructure, the commissioner revealed that the 22.5-kilometre third and final section of the Uzuakoli–Akara–Ohafia Road has been completed.

He also noted that construction work is currently ongoing in 31 locations across the state, while direct labour projects are being executed at 49 sites.

During the period under review, he said one project was completed and four additional projects were added to the Ministry of Works’ maintenance programme.

The completed project is the reconstruction of the 1.25-kilometre Madonna Hospital Road off Aba Road in Umuahia.

The newly added projects include the construction of the one-kilometre Okporoenyi–Isiegbu Road in Bende and the 4.71-kilometre Akara–Ovim Road in Isuikwuato Local Government Area.

Others are the maintenance of failed sections of the 8.6-kilometre Obinulo–Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwoagu–Isochi Road in Umunneochi LGA and repairs on sections of the 5.2-kilometre Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwoagu–Mbala–Isuochi Road, also in Umunneochi.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the new transport system is currently at its pilot stage and will continue to improve over time.

They explained that the initiative is designed to reduce irregularities and excessive charges by commercial transport operators, while improving the overall transport system and economic conditions for residents.