The Abia State Government has announced that it is ready to take delivery of a fresh batch of 20 electric buses, set to join the already operational Abia Green Shuttle fleet and deepen the state’s commitment to zero-emission public transportation.
The announcement was made by Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti, who confirmed that the new buses were ready for delivery and would be deployed to serve the people of Abia State.
“New 20 EV Buses Ready for Delivery and subsequent Deployment to serve our people… Abia State is going Green,” Ukoha stated.
The incoming batch follows the landmark commissioning of the first 20 electric buses in December 2025, a ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, where WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala joined Governor Otti to inaugurate the first phase of the Abia Green Shuttle Electric Bus Service.
At the commissioning, Governor Otti described the initiative as a bold step towards the future and a deliberate move to align Abia State with global climate and sustainability goals. He also revealed that the procurement journey had its hurdles: the buses had to be redesigned mid-process to ensure they were compliant with the needs of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), a standard the governor insisted on before any deployment.
On the choice of electric over gas-powered vehicles, Governor Otti was unequivocal. “Even though CNG is cleaner, it is still not without emissions. We felt the need to leapfrog into electric buses because that is where the world is headed, zero emissions,” he said.
Coscharis Group founder Dr. Cosmas Maduka, whose company manufactured the buses, confirmed the governor’s firm stance. “We did everything we can to convince him to go CNG, but he insisted it would be electrification or nothing. It’s not a dream anymore, it’s a reality,” Dr. Maduka said.
Free Rides, Packed Stations, and Over 70,000 Commuters
The pilot phase of the Green Shuttle service launched on December 23, 2025, with four EV buses on the road offering free intra-city transport services to residents. In Umuahia, buses operated from Isi Gate to Ubakala and from Okpara Square to Express Tower, while in Aba, routes ran from Osisioma to Park and from Park to Ala Oji through Port Harcourt Road.
The public response was overwhelming, counting from the launch on December 24, 2025, over 70,000 commuters had enjoyed free rides on the Abia Green Shuttle buses. Governor Otti himself made history in the process, becoming the first sitting Abia governor to ride on a bus, as he took the inaugural trip around the state capital and onward to Ukwa in the southern part of the state for an official function.
The buses feature air-conditioning, surveillance cameras, and onboard charging ports, and were designed for all social classes. The Coscharis boss predicted the buses would gradually reduce reliance on tricycles and motorcycles in Abia’s urban centres.
The Road to 100 Buses
With the new 20 buses set to arrive, Abia State’s electric fleet will grow to 40 operational units, a significant milestone on the path to Governor Otti’s stated goal. The governor has set a target of 100 electric buses to serve the transportation needs of the people across the state.
The broader plan includes deploying buses across Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia, alongside ten solar-powered charging stations to reduce dependence on the national grid and ensure sustainable operations.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, has also outlined plans for modern bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba, featuring integrated ticketing, retail points, and upgraded security, with Umuahia’s terminal to be completed before year end.
Okonjo-Iweala, who commissioned the first batch, captured the broader significance of the initiative. “One of the biggest challenges the world faces today is pollution and climate change. What Abia State is doing with the rollout of electric buses is extraordinary and commendable,” she said, expressing hope that it would mark only the beginning of environmentally friendly transport reforms in the state.
With 20 more buses now at the doorstep of delivery, Abia State’s green transport revolution is clearly not slowing down.
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