The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has officially commissioned the first batch of 20 electric buses introduced by the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti for green shuttle services across the State.
Speaking at the event held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti stated that the initiative “defines our movement towards the future”.
The Governor explained how the journey started with compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses, saying that, “but then, we had in mind the target that the world is headed towards and that is zero emission.
”And we knew that even though CNGs are cleaner gases, they are also not without emissions. And we thought we should leapfrog and go to electric buses” Gov. Otti stated.
He announced that, just as he ordered the manufacturer, the 20 electric buses are People With Disabilities (PWD) compliant.
Governor Otti, who noted that, the charging stations that should have come with the buses, did not make it to Nigeria as the vessel that was supposed to convey them to Nigeria had an accident mid sea, however explained that his government found an alternative by installing charging stations at ICC, Umuahia.
The State Chief Executive assured that the charging stations would also be installed in Aba, Ohafia and other locations, which would equally be made available to private electric vehicle owners.
He disclosed that the buses can travel 400 to 450 kilometers and informed the gathering that it would further reduce transportation cost in Abia.
Commissioning the buses, the Director-General, World Trade Organisation, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala appreciated Governor Alex Otti for the project.
”It’s a wonderful surprise to hear about the commissioning of these electric buses because you all know that one of the biggest things we suffer from in the World is the problem of pollution and climate change.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu said that the initiative is a direct product of Governor Otti ‘s forward thinking agenda and his resolve to reposition Abia State as a hub of innovation, sustainability and inclusive development.
Dr Ukaegbu thanked the Governor for his commitment to infrastructure renewal, climate-friendly policies and improved urban mobility and said that the buses represent a deliberate shift away from dependency on fossil fuels, towards cleaner energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions, minimize noise pollution and promote healthier cities.
Speaking earlier, the founder and president of COSCHARIS Group, manufacturer of the EV Buses, Dr. Cosmas Maduka revealed that, Abia State is the first State that is launching electric buses in the country, expresing the hope that other States are going to follow suit.
The launching was witnessed by other senior Government appointees.
Abia Commissions First Batch of 20 Electric Buses for Green Shuttle Services
By Nwoko
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