Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commissioned an additional 20 electric buses into the state’s Green Shuttle fleet and announced the extension of operational hours for the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) and other traffic enforcement agencies to 10:00 p.m. daily, including weekends.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the commissioning ceremony held at the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, where the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation system capable of driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
Speaking at the event, Otti described transportation as a vital catalyst for commerce and development, stressing that the expansion of the state’s electric bus fleet marks another milestone in Abia’s drive to modernise public transportation.
“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 said.
The governor noted that the first batch of electric buses was introduced in December 2025, adding that the newly commissioned vehicles would further bridge transportation gaps across the state while reinforcing the government’s clean energy agenda.
According to him, the buses are equipped with larger cargo compartments and facilities designed to accommodate persons living with disabilities, ensuring safer, more affordable and accessible transportation within and outside Abia State.
Otti said the decision to embrace electric vehicles was driven by the need to reduce transportation costs, protect the environment and position Abia ahead of the global transition to clean energy and technology-driven mobility.
He also highlighted the transformation already recorded in the state’s transport sector, saying orderly queues, technology-driven payment systems and dependable services introduced over the past seven months have elevated public transportation to standards comparable with global best practices.
As part of efforts to strengthen traffic management, the governor announced that ARTSMA and other traffic enforcement agencies would now operate until 10:00 p.m. every day, including weekends, to ensure improved compliance with traffic regulations and public safety.
He warned motorists and road users against acts capable of undermining the transport system, declaring that his administration would not tolerate vandalism, sabotage or reckless driving.
“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,” Otti warned.
To ensure strict enforcement, the governor disclosed that an independent monitoring team would be established to assess the activities of traffic enforcement agencies and recommend further actions where necessary.
He also charged members of the inter-agency transport management team to safeguard government transport assets, ensure proper maintenance of buses and terminals, prioritise staff welfare and ensure anyone found vandalising public infrastructure is prosecuted.
“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,” he added.
The governor further appealed to residents to fulfil their tax obligations, stressing that sustainable development depends on citizens partnering with government through responsible tax compliance.
He also assured transport operators that his administration remains open to dialogue over legitimate concerns.
“If you have genuine concerns, communicate with us. This administration is responsible enough to listen and address legitimate challenges,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the commissioning of the additional buses as another demonstration of Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and commitment to transforming Abia’s transportation sector.
He said the new fleet would significantly expand both intra-city and inter-city transport operations, providing affordable, safe and comfortable transportation for workers, students, families and other commuters across the state.
Ukaegbu noted that beyond improving mobility, the investment underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable development through infrastructure expansion, effective maintenance systems and strategic route planning while promoting cleaner air through zero-emission transportation.
The commissioner assured residents that the buses would be professionally managed and properly maintained, while urging motorists, transport operators and the public to protect government assets and comply with traffic regulations.
The event attracted government officials, transport stakeholders and other dignitaries from across the state.
