Otti Unveils First Batch of Electric Buses, Positions Abia as Clean Mobility Pioneer

 

The Abia State Government has taken delivery of its first batch of electric buses, marking a major milestone in Governor Alex Otti’s drive to modernise transportation and place the state ahead in clean mobility innovation.

In a statement on Sunday, Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu said the arrival of the buses formally positions Abia as the first state in Nigeria to roll out government-owned electric buses. He attributed the feat to a strategic partnership between the state and Coscharis Group, led by industrialist Dr. Cosmos Maduka.

Kanu disclosed that 20 units of the specially built 40-seater electric buses had arrived at the Lagos Port and were unveiled in Apapa before being dispatched to Umuahia.

According to him, the buses are fully equipped for commercial operations and designed to fit into the Otti administration’s broader transport reform blueprint.

He revealed that each unit boasts a 300-kilometre range on a single charge and comes fitted with modern safety and comfort-enhancing features, including internal and rear cameras, mobile charging ports, disability-friendly access points, emergency exits, and dual fire-extinguisher systems.

The state, he added, will also benefit from a solar-powered charging hub to be established by Coscharis, ensuring daily operations without reliance on the national grid.

“This first batch precedes another set of 20 already in production,” Kanu said. “More units will follow in phases, positioning Abia at the forefront of eco-friendly mass transit and tourism-supportive infrastructure.”

He noted that the rollout is a testament to Governor Otti’s commitment to redefining public transportation and setting a national standard for safety, environmental sustainability and commuter comfort.

“With these buses, the era of modern, comfortable and environmentally responsible transport in Abia State has begun,” the commissioner said, adding that the units would be received in the state before the close of the day.