Abia Begins Enforcement of Centralised Transport System, Relocates Parks to Nnenna Otti Terminal

• The Abia State Government has commenced enforcement of its new centralised transport system in Umuahia, relocating transport operators to the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal as part of efforts to modernise the sector.

The Abia State Government has commenced enforcement of its newly introduced centralised transport system in Umuahia, with transport operators being relocated in phases to the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the government held several meetings with transport stakeholders before commencing implementation in order to address concerns and ensure smooth compliance.

He stated that full operations had already begun at the terminal, with informal transport operators and unions moved to the facility despite some resistance.

“There appears to be some push backs among some of the operators and this is as a result of the fact that people are not easily giving in to change,” Kanu said.

He added that enforcement had commenced to ensure all transport operators comply with the new policy.

“What is happening is that all the parks in the state have been moved to the bus terminal,” he stated.

Kanu explained that the implementation would be carried out in phases.

According to him, the first phase involves the operations of the Abia Green Shuttle buses, followed by informal transport operators, while the final phase will involve formal transport operators.

Speaking on the initiative, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the government was not taking away anyone’s source of livelihood but was introducing a more organised and efficient transport system.

He revealed that transport unions had been asked to nominate four workers each to the terminal, where they would be properly identified and integrated into the system.

Ukaegbu further explained that the terminal operates on a transparent first-come, first-served loading system, regardless of union affiliation.

According to him, between 80 and 90 per cent of operators have already embraced the initiative, while engagement continues with those yet to comply.

He also highlighted some of the facilities at the terminal, including air-conditioned waiting areas for passengers and a drivers’ lodge.

“What else will you need as a transporter or even as a passenger? I think everything good about transportation is embedded in that Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal,” Ukaegbu said.

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Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the centralised transport system would help reduce urban congestion, eliminate illegal loading bays and improve security.

He added that the new system would also reduce unnecessary expenses for transport operators and curb extortion in the sector.

“We have seen transport operators extort people; by coming up with this organised system, we are solving our problems,” Ekeoma stated.

The state government maintains that the transport reform is aimed at creating a safer, cleaner and more efficient transport system for residents and visitors in Abia State.