Abia rolls out the first 20 electric buses with free urban transport for Christmas, aiming to expand its fleet to 100 while boosting tech and healthcare initiatives.
Abia State has announced free urban mass transit for the Christmas and New Year holiday period, coinciding with the rollout of its first batch of state-owned electric buses. Officials say the initiative positions Abia as the first Nigerian state to operate a government-backed electric bus transport system.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed the details at a press conference in Umuahia, noting that 20 electric buses arrived in the state in November 2025, and were assembled at the International Conference Centre, where a temporary charging station has also been established.
“The 40-seat electric buses, specifically built for Abia, have a 400-kilometer range when charged overnight and will be deployed to major routes across the state,” Kanu said. “Another set of 20 buses will arrive early next year, with a total of 100 buses targeted in the first phase.” Governor Alex Otti is expected to formally launch the program before Christmas.
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The Commissioner also highlighted wider government initiatives, including the recent assent to the Abia State Start-up Bill. The legislation is designed to create a framework to foster innovation, support tech-enabled startups, and position Abia as a leading technology hub in Nigeria.
In line with the state’s tech agenda, the second cohort of the Abia Tech-Rise ICT training program will graduate 850 youths on December 20, bringing the total number of trained participants to 1,399.
Kanu further announced that the Abia State Global Medical Mission began on December 15, 2025, at five centers statewide. The initiative, in collaboration with Abia Diaspora Medical Personnel, will run through December 20 and provide health services at Abia Specialist Hospital Umuahia, Uzuakoli Methodist Hospital, Okoko Item Adult Care Center, Seventh-Day Adventist Diagnostic Center Ogbor Hill Aba, and Ahiaeke Medical Centre.
The state Ministry of Works also reported progress on 54 direct labor road projects, with two completed and 32 ongoing across the three senatorial zones. Security agencies have been placed on 24-hour alert to safeguard lives and property during the festive season.
Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, explained that the electric bus fleet will be managed by automobile marketing company COSHARIS under the supervision of the state Ministry of Transportation. “This is not to compete with private businesses,” Ukaegbu said. “Government aims to de-risk the sector and attract private investment.”
