By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has inaugurated 20 additional electric buses for the state’s mass transit scheme, bringing the fleet to 40.

The governor used the occasion to warn that traffic offenders would henceforth face stiffer sanctions.

Performing the inauguration at Prof. Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Umuahia on Thursday, Otti said his administration would no longer tolerate violations of traffic regulations that endanger lives and property.

He listed the offences to include beating traffic lights, driving against traffic, overloading, illegal parking and other reckless driving practices.

“There is zero tolerance for willfully violation of the law. Those who attempt to test our resolve will receive the appropriate response,” he said.

The governor directed the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA), and the State Harmonised Task Force to extend their operational hours to 10 p.m. daily, including weekends, to strengthen enforcement.

He also ordered the agencies to deploy more personnel and resources on major roads across the state and ensure that offenders were prosecuted in line with existing laws.

Otti said an independent monitoring team would be established to assess compliance with the directive and recommend further actions where necessary.

He reiterated that no individual had the right to endanger the lives of other road users through recklessness, impatience or poor judgment.

On the transport initiative, the governor said the adoption of electric vehicles reflected the administration’s commitment to cost-effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation.

He recalled that the first batch of 20 electric buses was introduced in December 2025 and that the government had promised to procure more.

“Today, we are fulfilling that promise by adding another 20 electric buses to the Abia Green Shuttle fleet and we are still not done,” he said.

According to him, the new buses have larger cargo compartments and facilities to accommodate persons living with disabilities.

He added that they would improve service delivery and expand transport services within and outside the state.

Otti noted that the state’s public transport system had witnessed significant transformation through strategic investments, including the inauguration of the Prof. Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in May.

He said residents were gradually embracing organised public transportation, with orderly queues, technology-driven payment systems and more reliable services becoming the new standard.

The governor warned against sabotage and vandalism of government transport assets and directed that all cases of criminal damage must be thoroughly investigated and offenders prosecuted.

He urged relevant agencies to prioritise the proper management of buses, terminals and bus shelters and ensure the welfare of staff members.

Otti also appealed to residents to fulfill their tax obligations, saying the government required sustained revenue to continue delivering infrastructure and social services.

On concerns raised by some transport operators, he said the government had received security reports of disturbances involving unofficial operators.

He assured that the administration remained open to constructive engagement and would address legitimate grievances through lawful channels.

“The mission of this administration is to serve the people, improve their socio-economic well-being and create opportunities for everyone to thrive,” he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the addition of the 20 electric buses reflected the government’s commitment to innovation, clean energy and people-centred governance.

Ukaegbu said the new vehicles would expand intra-city and inter-city transport services, providing residents with affordable, safe and comfortable transportation.

He added that the buses would improve access for workers, students, children and families across the state.

According to him, the initiative goes beyond mobility and is aimed at building a modern, efficient and sustainable transport system.

The commissioner said the state was also investing in charging infrastructure, maintenance facilities and route planning to ensure efficient operation of the fleet.

He noted that the buses would contribute to environmental sustainability by eliminating tailpipe emissions and improving air quality.

“This achievement demonstrates the difference between a government that only manages the present and one that deliberately builds for the future,” Ukaegbu said.

He assured that the Ministry of Transport and its agencies would ensure the buses were professionally managed and properly maintained, and urged residents to protect the buses and other transport infrastructure. (NAN)

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