The Abia State Government has commenced the enforcement of its newly introduced centralised transport system in Umuahia, beginning with the phased relocation of transport operators to the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal.
The development was announced on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a media briefing at Government House, Umuahia, following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu explained that the government engaged extensively with transport stakeholders before implementing the policy, holding several meetings to address concerns raised by operators and unions.
According to him, operations have already commenced at the terminal, with informal transport operators and transport unions among the first groups moved to the facility as part of the phased implementation process.
He acknowledged that some operators had expressed reservations about the transition but noted that resistance often accompanies reforms aimed at changing long-established practices.
“There appears to be some push backs among some of the operators and this is as a result of the fact that people are not easily giving in to change.
“What is happening is that all the parks in the state have been moved to the bus terminal.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Transport and his team have been holding a series of meetings with all the operators. They had one yesterday. And a few of their anxieties will be addressed very soon. Enforcement also will commence today to bring all the operators into the terminal.
“The first phase of operations involves the operations of the Abia Green Shuttle buses. The second phase involves informal transport operators, while the third phase will involve the formal transport operators,” Kanu stated.
Providing further details, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the government’s objective was not to deprive anyone of their livelihood but to introduce order, efficiency, and accountability into the transportation sector.
He noted that transport unions and operators had been directed to nominate four representatives each to work at the terminal. These individuals, he said, would be properly identified and integrated into the new operational structure through the issuance of reflective identification tags.
Ukaegbu explained that the terminal operates on a transparent system that allocates loading opportunities based on arrival time rather than union affiliations or other considerations.
He revealed that between 80 and 90 per cent of transport operators have already embraced the initiative, while discussions continue with those who are yet to fully comply with the new arrangement.
The commissioner highlighted several facilities provided at the terminal to improve both passenger and driver experiences.
According to him, the terminal includes a fully furnished and air-conditioned drivers’ lounge, while passengers also benefit from a comfortable waiting environment equipped with modern amenities.
“What else will you need as a transporter or even as a passenger? I think everything good about transportation is embedded in that Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal,” Ukaegbu said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the centralisation of transport operations would bring multiple benefits to the state.
He explained that the new system is expected to reduce traffic congestion, eliminate indiscriminate loading points across the city, lower operating costs incurred by transport operators, and improve security through better regulation of transport activities.
Ekeoma further noted that the policy would help address long-standing challenges within the transport sector, including alleged extortion and disorderly practices associated with some transport operations.
He argued that a centralised and organised system would create a more efficient transportation network while enabling operators to generate better returns from their activities.
“Over the years, we have seen transport operators extort people. By coming up with this organised system, we are solving our problems,” Ekeoma stated.
The Abia State Government maintained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise public transportation, improve urban planning, and enhance the overall commuting experience for residents and visitors to the state.
