Abia initiates move of bus companies to newly constructed transportation hub

The Abia State Government has launched the implementation of its new centralised transport system in Umuahia, marking the beginning of a phased relocation of transport operators to the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in the city.

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This development was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a briefing at Government House, Umuahia, on Tuesday, where he discussed the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

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In a bid to ensure a seamless transition, the state government engaged in a series of meetings with transport stakeholders to address their concerns and foster compliance with the new system.

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According to Kanu, these efforts have yielded positive results, with full operations now underway at the terminal, and informal transport operators and unions having already relocated to the facility, despite initial resistance to the changes.

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Kanu noted that some transport operators are pushing back against the changes, citing the natural difficulty of adapting to new systems, and explained that all parks in the state have been relocated to the bus terminal.

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The Honourable Commissioner for Transport and his team have been actively engaging with operators, including a meeting held the previous day, to address their anxieties and concerns.

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Kanu outlined the phased implementation of the new transport system, which begins with the operation of Abia Green Shuttle buses, followed by informal transport operators, and finally, formal transport operators.

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Responding to questions from newsmen, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, emphasized that the state government's intention is not to deprive anyone of their livelihood, but rather to introduce a more organized system to improve the transport sector.

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Dr Ukaegbu revealed that transport unions and operators have been instructed to bring four of their workers each to the terminal, where they will be properly identified with reflective tags and integrated into the new system.

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The terminal operates on a transparent, first-come, first-served basis, allocating loading opportunities regardless of union affiliations, with approximately 80 to 90 per cent of operators having already embraced the initiative.

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Dr Ukaegbu added that ongoing engagements are being held with operators who have yet to fully comply with the government's transport policy, and highlighted the provision of a drivers' lodge and a conducive air-conditioned environment for passengers.

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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, noted that the centralisation of transport operations will help reduce urban congestion, indiscriminate loading bays, and security challenges, ultimately enabling transport operators to increase their earnings.

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Mr Ekeoma explained that the new system will also address the issue of transport operators extorting passengers, and expressed confidence that the organised system will help solve the problems faced by the transport sector.