The Abia State Government has unveiled comprehensive reforms aimed at overhauling mobility infrastructure in the state, with the rollout of 20 electric buses and the construction of central bus terminals in Aba and Umuahia at the heart of the transport policy.
Governor Alex Otti, who announced the arrival of the electric buses on Wednesday, described the move as part of his administration’s broader vision for a sustainable and investor-friendly transportation system.
Following the governor’s announcement, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, provided further details in an exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER on Thursday.
“We are building entirely new central bus terminals around the major cities of Aba and Umuahia,” Ukaegbu said.
“Our intention is for these terminals to be one-stop transport hubs for commuters and transporters alike. These would be places where people can easily access different modes of transport in a safe, organised, and efficient environment,” the commissioner told THE WHISTLER while pointing to the various plans on display.
Ukaegbu revealed that the central terminal in Umuahia is already well underway and is on track for completion before the end of the year. A similar facility is also being developed in Aba to the same specifications and standards.
“These hubs will not only improve the convenience for passengers but also enhance safety and reduce traffic congestion by centralising transport activities,” the commissioner added.
The electric bus initiative, he said, has moved beyond procurement. Routes across the two cities have been fully mapped, and driver training is actively ongoing.
The ministry is also setting up charging infrastructure to support the electric fleet, with 10 charging stations being installed across Aba and Umuahia. Each station is capable of charging two buses simultaneously.
“You cannot operate electric buses without the necessary charging infrastructure,” Ukaegbu noted. “That’s why we are ensuring that the support systems are fully in place before the buses hit the roads,” he told this outlet when probed on maintenance and kits for the electric buses.
Beyond the buses and terminals, the Commissioner highlighted broader elements of the Ministry’s agenda, including traffic regulation, public safety, and revenue generation.
He noted the ministry’s collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in reducing road accidents through regular sensitisation campaigns.
“We’re not just thinking about vehicles and roads—we’re also thinking about safety,” he said. “Our campaigns, especially in partnership with the FRSC, are already yielding results with a marked reduction in road traffic accidents.”
According to Ukaegbu, the state has also deployed advanced traffic management systems that allow real-time monitoring of traffic flow in Aba and Umuahia from a central control room.
The technology enables swift intervention during peak hours, better vehicle tracking, and improved security, he explained.
In terms of infrastructure, the commissioner confirmed that the access runway for Abia’s proposed international airport has been completed.
Additionally, the extension of the narrow-gauge railway line from Port Harcourt through Aba to Umuahia is underway, with the aim of strengthening intermodal connectivity within the state.
“Governor Otti’s administration is focused on creating a transport system that not only serves the people efficiently but also attracts investors by improving the ease of movement for goods and services,” Ukaegbu stated.