Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Thursday commissioned 20 additional electric buses under the state's Green Shuttle Transport Scheme, declaring that his administration would not allow anyone to reverse the progress made in rebuilding the state.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, the governor said his government remained committed to closing the development gap and transforming Abia into a modern and prosperous state.
"Whoever attempts to drag Abia back to the dark era 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," Otti said.
The newly inaugurated buses increase the number of electric buses operating under the Green Shuttle scheme from 20 to 40 since the programme was launched in December 2025.
Designed with larger luggage compartments and facilities for persons living with disabilities, the buses are expected to improve passenger comfort while expanding affordable and reliable transport services across Abia and neighbouring states.
As part of measures to strengthen the transport system, the governor announced that the operational hours of the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) and other traffic enforcement agencies would now run until 10 p.m. daily, including weekends.
He also unveiled an independent monitoring team that will assess the activities of traffic enforcement officers and recommend disciplinary or corrective measures where necessary.
Otti warned motorists and road users against violating traffic regulations, stressing that acts such as driving against traffic, ignoring traffic lights, overloading vehicles and indiscriminate parking would attract stiff penalties.
He further directed transport management agencies to ensure the proper maintenance of government-owned buses and terminals while prosecuting anyone found vandalising or sabotaging public infrastructure.
According to him, transportation remains a key pillar of economic development because it facilitates commerce, improves productivity and creates opportunities for citizens.
"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 depends on how its transport system adapts to changing realities," the governor said.
He explained that the decision to invest in electric buses was part of the state's strategy to reduce transportation costs, promote environmental sustainability and align Abia with global trends in clean energy and smart mobility.
The governor noted that reforms introduced in the transport sector over the past seven months had brought order to public transportation through technology-driven payment systems, organised bus terminals and more dependable services.
Otti also appealed to residents to support the government's development agenda by paying their taxes promptly, saying no government could sustain quality infrastructure and services without adequate internally generated revenue.
He assured transport operators who had expressed concerns over aspects of the new system that his administration would continue to engage stakeholders and address legitimate issues through dialogue.
"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 Ukaegbu, said the commissioning of the additional buses underscored Governor Otti's commitment to building a modern and sustainable public transport system.
He noted that the expanded fleet would improve both intra-city and inter-city transportation, making commuting safer, more comfortable and more affordable for workers, students, traders and other residents.
Ukaegbu added that the government's investment in electric buses was not only improving mobility but also promoting cleaner energy, reducing carbon emissions and strengthening transport infrastructure across the state.
He assured that the buses would be professionally managed and properly maintained, while urging residents to protect public assets and encouraging transport operators to maintain high standards of professionalism and strict compliance with road safety regulations.
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