Governor Alex Otti has commissioned an additional 20 electric buses to strengthen Abia State’s Green Shuttle transportation system while announcing 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 commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, marks another significant milestone in the state’s efforts to modernize public transportation and improve mobility for residents.
Speaking during the event, Governor Otti described transportation as a major catalyst for economic growth, commerce, and social development. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a safe, efficient, environmentally friendly, and technology-driven transport system that meets global standards.
According to the Governor, the latest fleet expansion builds on the successful launch of the first electric buses in December 2025 and reflects his administration’s determination to bridge transportation gaps across Abia State.
He explained that the adoption of electric vehicles aligns with the government’s vision of reducing transportation costs, protecting the environment, and positioning Abia as a leader in clean energy transportation in Nigeria.
Governor Otti disclosed that the newly commissioned buses are equipped with larger cargo compartments and accessibility features for persons living with disabilities, making them more inclusive and capable of serving both intra-state and inter-state routes.
He noted that the transformation witnessed in Abia’s public transport system over the past several months has introduced orderly bus terminals, technology-driven payment systems, and reliable services that compare favorably with international best practices.
As part of measures to improve road safety and ensure discipline on the roads, the Governor announced that ARTSMA and other traffic enforcement agencies will now operate until 10:00 p.m. every day, including weekends.
He warned motorists and road users against violating traffic regulations, stressing that offences such as beating traffic lights, driving against traffic, reckless parking, overloading vehicles, and other dangerous practices would attract strict penalties.
Governor Otti also revealed plans to establish an independent monitoring team to assess enforcement activities, improve compliance, and recommend additional measures where necessary.
He charged members of the inter-agency transport management team to safeguard government transport assets, ensure proper maintenance of buses and terminals, prioritize staff welfare, and ensure that anyone caught vandalizing or sabotaging public infrastructure faces prosecution.
The Governor emphasized that his administration would not allow criminal activities or indiscipline to reverse the progress already achieved in the transport sector.
He further appealed to residents to fulfill their tax obligations, stating that sustainable development depends on a strong partnership between government and citizens through responsible tax compliance.
Governor Otti also assured transport operators that his administration remains open to constructive engagement and would address genuine concerns through dialogue.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the event as another landmark achievement in the state’s transportation revolution.
He said the addition of 20 electric buses would significantly improve both intra-city and inter-city transportation by providing affordable, safe, and comfortable mobility for workers, students, families, and other commuters across Abia.
According to the Commissioner, the investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainable development through clean energy, improved infrastructure, strategic route planning, and efficient maintenance systems.
Dr. Ukaegbu commended Governor Otti for building a modern transport network focused on innovation and environmental sustainability. He assured residents that the buses would be professionally managed and properly maintained while urging road users and transport operators to protect public assets and strictly comply with traffic regulations.
ALSO READ: Abia Police Rescue Six Abducted Children, Arrest Suspected Child Trafficker in Major Crackdown
The commissioning ceremony attracted government officials, stakeholders, transport operators, and other dignitaries from across the state, further underscoring the administration’s commitment to transforming public transportation in Abia.
