Abia State is poised for a major overhaul of its urban mobility and long-term economic strategy, with Governor Alex Otti’s administration announcing the imminent launch of the Abia State Mass Transit Scheme, featuring twenty units of electric buses. Scheduled to begin operations before the end of December 2025, the project, described as a first of its kind in Nigeria, is aimed at significantly easing transportation challenges within the state.
Prince Okey Kanu, the State Commissioner for Information, briefed journalists in Umuahia, confirming that the initial batch of twenty 40-seater electric buses, custom-built for Abia’s road network, arrived in November 2025. He explained that a second set of twenty buses is expected early in the new year, with the first phase of the scheme eventually deploying about 100 electric vehicles. The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, clarified that this initial deployment is a pilot phase, noting that a temporary charging station would be installed at the International Conference Centre. Dr. Ukaegbu also announced that the buses would offer free rides to commuters throughout the Yuletide season, adding that the government’s role is to “de-risk the business, reset the pace, and allow private investors or investors to come in” rather than competing with private operators.
Beyond transportation, the government is focusing on institutionalizing its growth strategy. Prince Kanu announced that Governor Otti is scheduled to unveil the state’s 25-year Development Plan on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. This document is a strategic, future-proof blueprint designed to articulate a transformative roadmap for Abia State’s progress. Complementing this long-term vision, the governor has also assented to the Abia State Start-up Bill. The new legislation provides the legal framework necessary to foster innovation, develop tech-enabled start-ups, nurture digital talents, and position Abia as a leading technology hub in the country.
Further strengthening its commitment to digital literacy, the state is preparing for the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of the Abia Tech-Rise ICT training on Saturday, December 20, 2025. A total of 850 youths will be certified in ICT skills, bringing the total number of graduates under the scheme to 1,399.
In the health sector, the Abia State Global Medical Mission, a collaborative effort between the state government and Abia Diaspora Medical Personnel, commenced on Monday, December 15, 2025. The week-long medical outreach, which offers free advanced medical services, is being conducted across five centers: Abia Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, Uzuakoli Methodist Hospital, Okoko Item Adult Care Centre, Seventh-Day Adventist Diagnostic Centre, Ogbor Hill, Aba, and Ahiaeke Medical Centre, Umuahia.
Regarding infrastructure, the Ministry of Works has reported that in line with the administration’s development agenda, work is ongoing at 54 direct labour locations across the state, with two roads already completed and 32 project sites currently active across all three senatorial zones. Finally, Prince Kanu assured residents that state security agencies have been placed on 24-hour alert to secure lives and property during and after the Yuletide period, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to law enforcement.
