The Abia state government is set to launch 20 electric buses following a successful delivery by Coscharis Motors, the appointed client for the project.
The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the development in a press briefing after the state executive council meeting at the Government House, Umuahia.
The development makes Abia state the first state in Nigeria to deploy Electric BRT buses for its mass transit scheme, representing a shift away from combustion locomotors to a cleaner alternative.
Kanu revealed that the first batch of 40-seater buses arrived in the state in November, delivered by the Group Chairman and CEO of Coscharis Group, Dr Cosmas Maduka.
” Another batch of 20 buses will arrive early in the new year, while the fleet is projected to scale up to about 100 buses in the first phase of the programme. As part of the pilot phase, commuters will enjoy free rides during the Yuletide, with an interim charging station to be installed at the International Conference Centre.” Says Kanu at the briefing.
The development also announced the entrance of Coscharis Motors into car manufacturing and Assemblance after many years of dealership. Coscharis joins Innoson and Nord Motors in the car manufacturing and assembling business, driving Nigeria’s indigenous automobile industry.
Kanu, speaking further at the press briefing, hinted at preparations made by the Abia state government for the Yuletide season.
“To ensure a peaceful festive season, security agencies across the state have been placed on 24-hour alert to safeguard lives and property. I urge all Abians to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.” He said.
