The Abia State Government has begun relocating transport operators in Umuahia to the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal as part of a new central transport system.
The process is being carried out in phases to bring all transport activities under one organised location.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the government had met with transport unions and other stakeholders earlier to address their concerns before commencing full enforcement.
He explained that operations have now begun at the terminal, with many informal operators already moving in, even though some resistance is still being encountered in parts of the sector.
He noted that the relocation covers all transport parks in the state capital and that enforcement teams have been deployed to ensure full compliance.
According to him, the first stage of the plan involves using the Abia Green Shuttle buses, followed by informal operators and, later, formal transport groups.
The Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, explained that the government was not removing people’s livelihoods. He said the governmnet was rather reorganising the system to improve order in the transport sector.
Ukaegbu said unions were asked to bring representatives of their members for proper identification at the terminal. He also assured that loading would follow a first-come, first-served arrangement regardless of union affiliation.
He added that most operators, about 80 to 90 percent, had already accepted the new arrangement. Talks are still ongoing with others who had not fully complied.
He also stated that the terminal provides facilities such as air-conditioned buses. Other features include waiting areas for passengers and a rest lodge for drivers.
The Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal is the latest infrastructural project in Abia State. It is the latest investment in a robust mass transit system for the state. The target cities are the cities of Aba and Umuahia.
Other initiatives by the Otti administration include the completion of the Geometric Power Plant in Aba. Then the construction of over 1,000 km of road infrastructure. Alex Otti remains the favourite to win the 2027 gubernatorial election, giving his massive organic support and National appeal.
