Abia announces commencement of operation at newly completed Umuahia Bus Terminal

The Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Transport, has officially announced the commencement of operations at the newly completed Umuahia Bus Terminal as part of ongoing efforts to modernize and reposition the state’s transportation sector.

Chimezie Ukaegbu, Commissioner for Transport, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the activities and achievements of the Ministry in Umuahia on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

The commissioner highlighted the successful rollout of the state’s electric vehicle transport system, explaining that the government introduced electric buses in December 2025 and initially offered free rides to residents until February 28, 2026.

“From March 1, we commercialized the system and transitioned from free ridership to fare charges through a smart e-ticketing system,” he said.
Ukaegbu explained that commuters are required to obtain the AbiaConnect card, issued free of charge through the ABSSIN registration platform, to access the buses.

“We made the process seamless and easy. Residents can obtain their ABSSIN even from the comfort of their homes through abiapay.com. Once the AbiaConnect card is funded, commuters can conveniently access the buses,” he explained.

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The commissioner further disclosed that the electric buses are fitted with modern facilities aimed at improving passengers’ comfort and safety.

“It may please you to know that these buses are fully air-conditioned, fitted with CCTV cameras and video systems. Passengers can even charge their phones while onboard,” he added.

According to him, the state currently operates 20 electric buses, with plans underway to significantly expand the fleet before the end of the year.
“Presently, we have 20 buses in the fleet. Government intends to bring in another 20 shortly, later 30 more, and before the end of this year, we should have about 100 buses within the fleet,” Ukaegbu disclosed.

He noted that the increase in the number of buses would also lead to expansion of transport routes across the state.
On traffic management, the commissioner hinted that the government has introduced AI-driven traffic lights and intelligent traffic management systems to improve vehicular movement and reduce congestion within major urban centres.

“The streetlights are AI-driven. They ease traffic and help prevent congestion. These are part of our intelligent traffic management deployment plans,” he stated.
Ukaegbu also announced the commencement of operations at the newly completed Umuahia Bus Terminal, describing the facility as a major milestone towards establishing a centralized and multimodal transport system in the state. “The essence of this bus terminal is to have a central parking and transport hub where residents can access different modes of transportation including keke, minibuses, luxury buses and cars all in one place,” he explained.

According to the commissioner, operations at the terminal commenced on May 18, 2026, beginning with Green Bus operations, while informal transport operators are expected to relocate to the facility on May 23, followed by formal transport operators on May 25.

“We have made every arrangement possible to ensure smooth operations within this transport hub,” he assured.
He revealed that the ministry is currently implementing institutional and sectoral reforms across agencies under its supervision, including ABSPINS and traffic management agencies, to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.

Ukaegbu also disclosed that the state government has commenced preliminary processes towards the establishment of a Deep Sea Port in Abia State.
“We are working towards having a Deep Sea Port. Government has already commissioned consultants to undertake feasibility studies, and once that process is concluded, construction will commence,” he said.

Speaking on rail transportation, the commissioner stated that the administration of Alex Otti is collaborating with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to improve rail connectivity across the state.

“We have had several engagements with the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Currently, the Federal Government is laying narrow gauge rail tracks from Port Harcourt to Aba and onward to Umuahia. Once completed, there will be interconnectivity within the state and local governments for an efficient rail transport system,” he explained.

On the ongoing airport project, the commissioner confirmed that runway construction and compensation payments to affected residents are progressing steadily.
“The runway construction is ongoing and compensation payments are also ongoing. Majority, if not all affected persons, have been compensated,” he stated.
Ukaegbu emphasized that the comprehensive transport reforms being implemented by the present administration are designed to strengthen economic activities and boost commerce across the state.

“Our people are known for commerce and industry. Availability of all these transport systems will greatly boost businesses within the state. That is the vision of His Excellency, Alex Otti,” the commissioner affirmed.

He further disclosed that plans were underway to relocate the railway station closer to the Umuahia Bus Terminal to transform the facility into a complete multimodal transport centre.

“We are connecting the railway station to this bus terminal to make this place a complete multimodal transport centre,” he stated.