The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Tuesday, joined Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to inaugurate the first batch of 20 electric buses introduced for green shuttle services across the state.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, marked a significant step in the state’s transition to environmentally sustainable public transportation.
Speaking at the event, Otti described the initiative as a defining moment in Abia’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
He said the state initially began its public transport reforms with compressed natural gas-powered buses but decided to move fully into electric mobility in line with global trends.
Even though CNG is cleaner, it is still not without emissions. We felt the need to leapfrog into electric buses because that is where the world is headed — zero emissions,” Otti said.
The governor disclosed that the electric buses were manufactured to be fully compliant with the needs of persons with disabilities, adding that inclusivity was a core consideration in the project.
Otti explained that although the charging stations meant to accompany the buses could not be delivered due to a maritime accident involving the vessel transporting them, the state government improvised by installing alternative charging facilities at the ICC, Umuahia.
He added that additional charging stations would soon be installed in Aba, Ohafia and other locations, and would also be accessible to private owners of electric vehicles.
Assuring residents of immediate benefits, the governor said the buses would begin operations on Wednesday on scheduled routes across the state.
“We are starting small. Not all 20 buses will be on the road at the same time, but a sizable number will be in operation. As we deploy them, we will learn, adjust and improve,” he said.
Otti noted that the buses have a range of 400 to 450 kilometres on a full charge and would further reduce transportation costs in the state.
For a period between now and sometime in January, the buses will convey our citizens free of charge. It will be strictly first come, first served, with priority given to persons living with disabilities,” he added.
Inaugurating the buses, Okonjo-Iweala commended Otti for what she described as a bold and forward-looking intervention in the fight against pollution and climate change.
“One of the biggest challenges the world faces today is pollution and climate change. What Abia State is doing with the rollout of electric buses is extraordinary and commendable,” she said.
I hope this is only the beginning and that the state will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the project reflected the governor’s vision to reposition Abia as a hub of innovation, sustainability and inclusive development.
He described the buses as a deliberate shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions, curb noise pollution and promote healthier urban living.
Also speaking, the founder and President of Coscharis Group, manufacturers of the electric buses, Dr Cosmas Maduka, said Abia State was the first in Nigeria to launch electric buses at this scale.
“We tried to convince the governor to go with CNG, but he insisted it would be electric or nothing,” Maduka said.
He added that the buses were equipped with modern security and comfort features, including surveillance systems and air conditioning, describing the project as a major milestone in Nigeria’s public transportation evolution.
The event was attended by senior government officials, business leaders and residents from across the state.
