The Abia State Government has said it is set to become the first state in Nigeria to launch a state-owned electric bus transport scheme, while also assuring residents of adequate security during the Christmas season.
Briefing journalists on Monday on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said plans had reached an advanced stage for the launch of the Abia State Mass Transit Buses under the Abia State Transport Transformation Project.
According to him, the first batch of 20 electric buses arrived in the state in November, adding that the 42-seater buses were custom-built for Abia State.
He disclosed that an additional 20 buses would be delivered early next year.
Kanu said the total fleet would rise to about 100 buses in the first phase of the scheme, noting that each bus has a driving range of up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.
He explained that the buses are equipped with modern features, including internal and rear cameras, mobile phone charging ports, disability-friendly access systems, emergency exits and dual fire-extinguisher safety points, describing the interior fittings as state-of-the-art.
The commissioner added that the electric buses are environmentally friendly and would provide commuters with a safe and comfortable transportation experience when fully operational.
“The introduction of these buses places Abia State at the forefront of clean mobility and safety-focused mass transit.
“It underscores the governor’s commitment to transforming public transportation infrastructure and sets a national benchmark,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the bus services would be offered free of charge during the yuletide period as part of a test run, adding that the scheme is designed for urban routes and not inter-state travel.
Kanu further disclosed that the state’s 25-Year Development Plan would be unveiled on Tuesday, describing it as one of the flagship projects of the Otti administration.
He said development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme and the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, would attend the event.
He also announced that Otti had signed into law the Start-Up Bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly.
According to him, the law domesticated the Nigeria Start-Up Act 2022 in Abia State and establishes a framework to promote innovation, support tech-enabled start-ups, nurture digital talent and position the state as a leading technology hub.
Kanu said the law would apply to companies operating in Abia State and to start-ups recognised under the national framework.
He added that the Abia Techrise ICT training programme would soon graduate its second cohort of 850 youths, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in 2025 to 1,399.
The commissioner also revealed that construction work was ongoing on 32 roads across the state’s three senatorial zones to improve road ambience and ensure smooth vehicular movement during the festive season.
On security, Kanu said all security agencies in the state had been placed on full 24-hour alert to protect lives and property during Christmas.
“Abia State is very safe and ready to host residents and visitors during this festive period,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
The Abia State Government has, since the assumption of office by Otti in May 2023, prioritised reforms in public transportation, infrastructure, and urban mobility as part of its broader economic and environmental agenda.
The proposed state-owned electric bus scheme forms part of the Abia State Transport Transformation Project, which is aimed at modernising the transport sector, reducing carbon emissions, and providing affordable, safe, and efficient mass transit for residents.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s push for clean energy adoption and sustainable development, while also addressing longstanding challenges associated with traffic congestion, rising fuel costs, and ageing public transport fleets across major urban centres in the state.
In recent months, the government has embarked on extensive road rehabilitation projects across Abia’s three senatorial zones and introduced policy reforms to improve traffic management and commuter safety, particularly during peak festive periods.
The electric bus project is also expected to complement the state’s wider development blueprint, including the recently unveiled 25-Year Development Plan and technology-driven initiatives aimed at positioning Abia as an emerging hub for innovation, green infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
