Umuahia, Abia State – December 16, 2025

 

The Abia State Government has announced that urban mass transit services will be offered free of charge to commuters across major routes in the state during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, as part of efforts to enhance mobility and ease travel for residents during the festive season.

 

This declaration coincides with plans to roll out the state’s first electric bus mass transit scheme, positioning Abia as a pioneer in state-owned eco-friendly public transportation in Nigeria.

 

During a press briefing in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed that the first batch of 20 custom-built electric buses has already arrived in the state and is being prepared for deployment. The buses, each with a seating capacity of 40 passengers and an operational range of up to 400 kilometres on a full overnight charge, will be stationed at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia where a temporary charging facility has been established.

 

Kanu noted that Governor Alex Otti is scheduled to formally launch the electric mass transit service ahead of Christmas, marking a major milestone in the state’s transport transformation agenda. Another set of 20 electric buses is expected in early 2026, with a target of eventually expanding the fleet to about 100 buses under the first phase of the programme.

 

The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, explained that the electric bus service will be operated in partnership with Coscharis Motor Ltd, with oversight by the Abia State Ministry of Transportation. He emphasised that the initiative is intended to de-risk the mass transit business and encourage private sector investment in the transport sector, rather than displace existing private operators.

 

In addition to the transport announcement, the press briefing also highlighted other government initiatives, including the signing of the Abia State Start-Up Bill to foster innovation and tech entrepreneurship, as well as the upcoming graduation of 850 youths from the Abia Tech-Rise ICT training programme.

 

Security agencies have been placed on 24-hour alert to safeguard lives and property during the yuletide period, and residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.