Abia State Launches ‘Green Shuttles’ for Commercial Operations March 1; Digital Payments Only

Umuahia, Abia State – The Abia State Government has announced that its electric mass transit service, the “Green Shuttles,” will commence full commercial operations on March 1, 2026, following a three-month free trial across major routes in the state. The announcement was made by Governor Alex Otti during the February edition of his monthly media parley, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at Government House, Umuahia.

During the trial phase, the electric buses provided free services to Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, and on in-town shuttle routes. Governor Otti revealed that from March 1, the service will operate at subsidized fares, with N800 for the Umuahia–Aba route and N1,000 for Umuahia–Ohafia, among other designated routes.

Passengers will be required to pay using ATM cards only, as cash payments will not be accepted. The governor emphasized the importance of embracing digital platforms for public services, noting, “Digital transformation is where the world has gone. We can’t be different.”

Operational Base and Coverage
The Umuahia Central Bus Terminal has been designated as the operational hub for the shuttle system in Umuahia, while Aba will also have its own terminal. The initiative is aimed at providing reliable, eco-friendly, and modern mass transit across the state.

Transparency in Land Compensation
Governor Otti also addressed concerns over compensation for landowners affected by the Abia Airport project at Nsulu. He confirmed that over 4,000 of nearly 10,000 claimants have received payments, beginning with lands along the proposed runway.

“In the spirit of transparency, we directed the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, to publish the names of claimants for public scrutiny. Everyone who deserves compensation will be compensated, and many have already been paid,” Otti assured.

He described recent negative reports about the exercise as a “hatchet job” by misinformed individuals and reiterated that the process is being handled systematically and transparently.

Security and Safety
Addressing security concerns in parts of Umuahia South, the governor affirmed that there is no territory under the control of non-state actors in Abia State. He highlighted the investments made in security and the collaborative efforts of the Security Trust Fund, Security Advisory Committee, Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, and Navy to maintain peace across the state.

Economic and Infrastructure Developments
Governor Otti also gave updates on other key projects, including equity shareholdings in the Enyimba/Radisson Blu Hotel, where the state holds an 80% stake, with the remaining 20% owned by public investors. The hotel will begin operations with 120 rooms and expand to 250 within four years.

Other achievements highlighted include progress in healthcare, education, and SMEs, electricity restoration in Ukwa East, and pilot digitization programs in the health sector, with US-based firms retraining medical personnel to meet global standards.

The governor also addressed concerns about unpaid nurses and teachers affected by the recent retirement age extension to 65 years, assuring that funds have been made available and administrative lapses would be corrected.