Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced a major transportation relief package for residents and indigenes returning home for the festive season, including free buses from Abuja and Lagos and the launch of the state’s first fleet of electric mass‑transit buses.
Speaking during a public address, Otti said the initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to easing travel burdens during the holidays and modernizing Abia’s transport system.
“We have provided free buses for Abians in Abuja and Lagos to convey them home. By tomorrow, we will be launching the first batch of 20 electric buses… From now until sometime in January, these electric buses will be free of charge for everyone in Abia,”
— Governor Alex Otti
20 Electric Buses Launched, 80 More Coming
According to verified reports, Abia has taken delivery of the first 20 electric buses, marking the beginning of the state-owned Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service. The remaining 80 units are expected to arrive next year as part of a 100‑bus rollout plan.
The buses are 42‑seater, custom-built EVs with a driving range of up to 400 km per charge, designed to operate across major routes in Umuahia, Aba, Ohafia, Umunneochi, and Ukwa LGAs.
A First in Nigeria
Abia is now positioned to become the first Nigerian state to operate a fully state-owned electric bus mass‑transit system, according to the Abia State Government and multiple news outlets.
The project is part of the Abia State Transport Transformation Project, aimed at:
- reducing transport costs
- improving commuter comfort
- cutting carbon emissions
- modernizing urban mobility
- reducing reliance on petrol and diesel buses
Okonjo‑Iweala Joins Launch Ceremony
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala, attended the commissioning of the first batch of electric buses, praising the initiative as “visionary” and a major step toward cleaner, healthier cities The Punch Business Day.
She noted that although Africa contributes only about 3% of global carbon emissions, initiatives like Abia’s electric bus scheme show leadership in climate‑friendly innovation.
Free Rides Through the Festive Season
The state government confirmed that the electric buses will offer free intra‑city and inter‑city rides throughout the Christmas and New Year period, easing the financial burden on residents and visitors during the holidays.
The free service aligns with Otti’s view that public transportation is a social service, not a luxury.
“Once You Live or Do Business Here, You Are Abian”
Otti emphasized inclusivity, stating that the free transport services apply to everyone living or working in Abia, regardless of their state of origin.
A Shift Toward Clean, Modern Transport
The governor explained that Abia initially explored CNG-powered buses but ultimately chose to “leapfrog” into electric mobility to align with global zero‑emission trends.
The electric buses are expected to significantly reduce:
- fuel costs
- air pollution
- noise pollution
- maintenance expenses
Pilot Phase Already Underway
As of December 23, several EV buses were already operating in Umuahia and Aba as part of the pilot phase, offering free rides to commuters.
The Maintenance Challenge Ahead
While the rollout has been widely praised, experts note that maintaining a large electric bus fleet in Nigeria comes with significant challenges:
- Specialized technical expertise: Electric buses require technicians trained in EV systems, battery diagnostics, and high‑voltage components — skills that are still scarce locally.
- Battery replacement costs: EV batteries degrade over time and are expensive to replace, potentially becoming a major long‑term cost for the state.
- Charging infrastructure: Sustaining a 100‑bus fleet will require reliable charging stations, stable electricity supply, and backup systems to avoid downtime.
- Spare parts availability: Most EV components are imported, meaning delays in sourcing parts could lead to extended periods of inactivity for faulty buses.
- Power supply reliability: Frequent grid outages could disrupt charging schedules unless the state invests in dedicated power solutions like solar farms or hybrid systems.
Despite these challenges, the government says it is committed to building the technical and infrastructural capacity needed to keep the fleet running efficiently.
