By RismadarVoice Media
December 23, 2025
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Monday unveiled the first batch of 20 electric buses introduced by Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, marking a major milestone in the state’s push for sustainable, climate-friendly public transportation.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, where Governor Otti described the initiative as a defining step towards the future of transportation in Abia State.
“This defines our movement towards the future,” the Governor said, explaining that while the project initially commenced with compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses, the government made a strategic decision to transition fully to electric vehicles, in line with global climate goals.
“We had in mind the target that the world is headed towards, which is zero emission. Even though CNGs are cleaner gases, they are not without emissions. So, we decided to leapfrog, go to electric buses,” Otti stated.
The Governor disclosed that the 20 electric buses are compliant with the needs of persons living with disabilities, reinforcing the administration’s commitment towards inclusive development.
He further revealed that the charging stations meant to accompany the buses did not arrive in Nigeria due to a maritime accident involving the vessel transporting them.
However, Otti said the state government had swiftly installed alternative charging stations at the International Conference Centre, with plans to extend the infrastructure to Aba, Ohafia and other locations. The charging facilities, he added, would also be accessible to private electric vehicle owners.
According to him, the buses will begin operations immediately, with scheduled services commencing the following day.
“We are starting small. Not all 20 buses will be on the road at the same time, but a sizable number will be operational. As we use them, learn and correct. There may be challenges left, right and centre,” he noted.
The Governor disclosed that each bus can travel between 400 and 450 kilometres on a single charge, said their deployment would further reduce transportation costs in the state, which already ranks as one of the most affordable in Nigeria for public transportation.
He announced that from the commencement of operations until sometime in January, the electric buses would operate free of charge for residents.
Commissioning the buses, Dr Okonjo-Iweala commended the Abia State Government for taking bold steps toward addressing climate change and environmental pollution.
“One of the biggest problems the world suffers from today is pollution, climate change. So, for Abia State to be doing something extraordinary by bringing in electric buses is truly delightful. I hope this is just the beginning and that we will go from strength to strength,” she said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Chimezie Ukaegbu, described the project as a direct outcome of Governor Otti’s forward-thinking agenda towards reposition Abia as a hub of innovation, sustainability and inclusive development. He said the buses represent a deliberate shift away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions, minimize noise pollution, promote healthier cities.
Also speaking, Chairman and Founder of Coscharis Group, Dr Cosmas Maduka, whose company manufactured the buses, said Abia State had made history as the first state in Nigeria to launch electric buses.
“We tried everything to convince him to go with CNG, but he insisted it would be electric or nothing. Abia State is in a leading position in this country. You go to Abia today and power supply is uninterrupted. This is a quality product that reflects leadership and vision,” Maduka said.
The launch positions Abia State at the forefront of Nigeria’s green transportation transition; underscores the Otti administration’s commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility and people-centred governance.
