The Abia State Government has announced that its newly introduced electric mass transit service, known as the “Green Shuttles,” will commence full commercial operations on March 1, 2026, following a three-month free test run across major routes in the state.
Governor Alex Otti made the announcement on Friday at Government House, Umuahia, during the February edition of his monthly media parley titled “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians.” Politics
The electric buses had operated free services to Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia and on in-town shuttle routes during the trial phase.
From March 1, the service will begin subsidised operations, with fares fixed at N800 for the Umuahia–Aba route and N1,000 for the Umuahia–Ohafia route, among other designated routes.
Governor Otti explained that the transport system would operate on a fully digital platform, stressing that cash payments would not be accepted. Instead, passengers will be required to pay using Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.
“We need to begin to move up the ladder. Digital transformation is where the world has gone. We can’t be different,” the governor said.
He added that the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal has been designated as the operational base for the buses in Umuahia, while Aba will also have its own terminal.
On the Abia Airport project at Nsulu, Governor Otti disclosed that compensation has so far been paid to over 4,000 out of nearly 10,000 land claimants.
He explained that the current phase of payments covers parcels of land located along the proposed runway, while compensation for other affected areas would follow subsequently.
According to him, the process is being handled systematically and transparently. He described recent negative reports about the compensation exercise as a “hatchet job” by individuals who were not fully informed.
“I’m sure some of you may have seen negative reports from someone who, I understand, did not attend any of the meetings. It was just a hatchet job done by an individual. But I’m glad to report that compensation payments resumed on the 23rd of this month after the meeting on the 18th,” he said.
The governor noted that the government is paying claimants village by village, beginning with those whose lands fall within the runway corridor. He also confirmed that the names of claimants have been published for public scrutiny.
“In the spirit of transparency, we directed the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, to publish the names of claimants to the communities. We are not ruling out sharp practices, but we are ready to deal decisively with anyone found culpable.
“I can assure you that everyone who deserves to be compensated will be compensated. A lot of them have already been paid,” Otti assured.
Security situation
Addressing recent security concerns in parts of Umuahia South, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding every part of the state.
“There is no territory under the control of non-state actors in Abia State, and there will never be. We have invested heavily in security and engaged professionals to support our efforts,” he said.
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He added that the state’s Security Trust Fund and Security Advisory Committee are working closely with security agencies, including the police, DSS, Nigerian Army and Navy.
Enyimba/Radisson Blu Hotel shares
On equity shareholdings in the Enyimba/Radisson Blu Hotel project, Governor Otti clarified that the Abia State Government holds an 80 per cent stake, while the remaining 20 per cent belongs to members of the public, including families of early investors who committed funds through ACCIMA.
He disclosed that the hotel will commence operations with 120 rooms and expand to a total capacity of 250 rooms within the next four years upon full completion.
Infrastructure and digitisation
The governor highlighted progress made in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, industry and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), where his administration had earlier declared a state of emergency.
He announced that electricity restoration has been approved for Ukwa East, while efforts are ongoing to restore power in Bende and Ohafia.
In the health sector, a pilot digitisation programme has commenced, with a United States-based firm engaged to retrain medical personnel in line with global best practices.
Responding to concerns about nurses and teachers affected by the recent extension of retirement age to 65 years, Otti expressed surprise that some workers had reportedly gone unpaid for months.
He cautioned heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) implementing the new policy to seek clarification where necessary and avoid administrative lapses.
The governor assured that funds had been made available to pay all workers affected by the retirement age extension and related salary adjustments.
SOURCE: BUSINESSHALLMARK
