Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced the extension of the operational hours of the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA) and other traffic enforcement agencies to 10:00 p.m. daily, including weekends, as part of measures to strengthen traffic management and safeguard the state’s rapidly expanding public transport system.
The Governor made the announcement on Thursday during the commissioning of 20 additional electric buses into the Abia Green Shuttle fleet at the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal, Umuahia, and the unveiling of a new independent monitoring team to oversee traffic enforcement activities and ensure strict compliance with road regulations.
Governor Otti described transportation as a critical driver of economic growth and social development, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a modern, environmentally friendly and efficient transportation system.
He warned against acts of sabotage, vandalism and indiscipline capable of undermining the transport system, stressing that his administration would not tolerate criminality or reckless conduct on the roads.
“No one has the right to violate traffic regulations or endanger the lives and property of others. Beating traffic lights, driving against traffic, overloading and reckless parking will attract severe sanctions,” Gov. Otti warned.
To ensure strict compliance, the Governor announced the establishment of an independent monitoring team to evaluate enforcement activities and recommend further actions where necessary.
He charged the inter-agency transport management team to remain committed to protecting government transport assets, maintaining the buses and terminals, prioritising staff welfare, and ensuring that anyone found sabotaging public infrastructure is prosecuted.
“Whoever attempts to drag us back to the darkness of the past will have a very difficult time. We are determined to close the gap between where we are and where we want to be,” Gov. Otti affirmed.
The Governor recalled that the first fleet of electric buses was launched in December 2025, noting that the addition of 20 new buses marks another significant milestone in bridging the transportation gap across the state.
Describing transportation as the backbone of economic advancement, Governor Otti said: “Transportation is the oil that lubricates the wheels of prosperity. It moves people, drives commerce and expands the frontiers of opportunity.
“The progress of any civilisation ultimately depends on how its transport system evolves to meet the realities of the time,” the Governor stated.
He explained that the decision to adopt electric vehicles was driven by the need to provide cost-effective transportation, protect the environment and position Abia ahead of emerging global transportation trends powered by clean energy and technological innovation.
According to the Governor, the newly commissioned buses feature larger cargo compartments and facilities designed to accommodate persons living with disabilities, thereby enhancing service delivery while extending affordable, safe and reliable transportation to more destinations within and outside Abia State.
Governor Otti noted that the transformation of the state’s public transport sector over the past seven months has introduced orderly passenger queues, technology-driven payment systems and dependable services comparable to global standards.
He appealed to residents to fulfil their tax obligations, stressing that sustainable development requires citizens to partner with government through responsible tax compliance.
The Governor also assured transport operators that his administration remains open to constructive engagement following concerns raised by some informal transport operators.
“If you have genuine concerns, communicate with us. This administration is responsible enough to listen and address legitimate challenges,” Gov. Otti assured.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the event as a celebration of visionary leadership and transformational governance, noting that Governor Otti’s investments have repositioned public transportation in Abia through innovation, clean energy and people-centred policies.
Dr. Ukaegbu said the deployment of the additional 20 electric buses would significantly expand intra-city and inter-city transport services, providing affordable, safe and comfortable mobility for workers, students, families and other commuters across the state.
He added that beyond improving mobility, the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable development through strategic investments in transport infrastructure, maintenance systems and route planning, while contributing to cleaner air through zero-emission transportation.
The Commissioner commended Governor Otti for building a future-oriented transport system and assured that the buses would be professionally managed and properly maintained for the benefit of the people.
He also urged residents to protect public assets while encouraging drivers and transport operators to uphold professionalism, discipline and strict compliance with road safety regulations.
