By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially commissioned the first batch of 20 electric buses introduced by the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for green shuttle services across the State.

Speaking at the event held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti stated that the initiative "defines our movement towards the future".

The forward looking Governor explained how the journey started with compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses, saying that, "but then, we had in mind the target that the world is headed towards and that is zero emission.

"And we knew that even though CNGs are cleaner gases, they are also not without emissions. And we thought we should leapfrog and go to electric buses" Gov. Otti stated.

He announced that, just as he ordered the manufacturer, the 20 electric buses are People With Disabilities (PWD) compliant.

Governor Otti, who noted that, the charging stations that should have come with the buses, did not make it to Nigeria as the vessel that was supposed to convey them to Nigeria had an accident mid sea, however explained that his government found an alternative by installing charging stations at ICC, Umuahia.

The State Chief Executive assured that the charging stations would also be installed in Aba, Ohafia and other locations, which would equally be made available to private electric vehicle owners.

"So, what we expect today is that these buses will start moving. By tomorrow it will be on scheduled movement.

"We are starting small, so, maybe not all the 20 will be on the road at the same time but at least you'll see a sizable number.

"As we use them, we learn and correct. There may be challenges left, right and centre.

The Governor disclosed that the buses can travel 400 to 450 kilometers and informed the gathering that it would further reduce transportation cost in Abia.

"You would have read not too long ago that the State emerged the best in terms of public sector or public transportation. I'm sure you saw that it costs much less in Abia State than every other State in Nigeria.

"So, the introduction of the electric buses will even further reduce the cost of transportation.

"For this period between tomorrow and sometime in January, these buses will take our citizens to and through free of charge.

"You get to the station, you queue up. Once the bus arrives, it is first come first served. If you miss the first one, you wait for the second one. The buses will operate morning, afternoon and evening.

"It is also important that we respect people living with disabilities. If you find them in the bus stations, please, let them have first right of refusal" Gov. Otti instructed.

Commissioning the buses, the Director-General, World Trade Organisation, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commended Governor Alex Otti for the project.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Otti's Chief press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia.

"It's a wonderful surprise to hear about the commissioning of these electric buses because you all know that one of the biggest things we suffer from in the World is the problem of pollution and climate change.

"So, for the fact that in Abia State, we are doing something extraordinary in bringing these buses, is just a delightful thing.

"I hope that this is just the beginning and we will go from strength to strength", Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stated.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu said that the initiative is a direct product of Governor Otti 's forward thinking agenda and his resolve to reposition Abia State as a hub of innovation, sustainability and inclusive development.

Dr Ukaegbu thanked the Governor for his commitment to infrastructure renewal, climate-friendly policies and improved urban mobility and said that the buses represent a deliberate shift away from dependency on fossil fuels, towards cleaner energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions, minimize noise pollution and promote healthier cities.

Speaking earlier, the founder and president of Coscharis Group, manufacturer of the EV Buses, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, revealed that, Abia State is the first state that is launching electric buses in the country, expressing the hope that other States are going to follow suit.

"We did everything we could to convince him (Gov. Otti) to go CNG, but he insisted it would be electric or nothing.

"Abia State is on the leading position in this country whether anybody like it or not. You go to Abia today, your power supply is uninterrupted.

"You can't do pick-pocket in this bus. When you are on this bus, everything you do is recorded and we can trace you wherever you are. On this bus, you have an air conditioner. You know it's a quality of a product that it doesn't matter the level you are in the society," Dr Maduka stated.

The launching was witnessed by other senior Government appointees, among other Abians and Nigerians.

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