Abia assures transport operators of fair treatment as relocation to new bus terminal begins

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

The Abia State Government has assured private commercial transport operators that their concerns will be addressed as it begins the phased relocation of transport services to the newly inaugurated Nnenna Otti Central Bus Terminal in Umuahia.

The government also clarified provisions of the Abia State Senior Citizens’ Law No. 4 of 2025, recently signed into law by Governor Alex Otti.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, gave the assurance during a media briefing at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Otti.

Kanu, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the government had engaged extensively with transport stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new terminal.

According to him, the consultations were aimed at addressing the concerns of transport operators and securing their cooperation with the relocation exercise.

He disclosed that full operations had commenced at the terminal, with informal transport operators and unions already relocated despite the initial resistance often associated with major reforms.

“There appears to be some pushback among a few operators because people do not easily embrace change. However, government has put in place measures to address their concerns,” he said.

Kanu explained that the relocation is being implemented in phases, beginning with the operations of the Abia Green Shuttle buses, followed by informal transport operators, while the final phase will involve formal transport companies.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Ukaegbu, said the government was not taking away anyone’s means of livelihood but was introducing a more organised transport system to improve efficiency and service delivery.

He noted that transport unions and operators had been directed to nominate four representatives each to work at the terminal, where they would be properly identified and integrated into the new system.

According to him, the terminal operates a transparent loading arrangement based on a first-come, first-served principle, irrespective of union affiliations.

He added that between 80 and 90 per cent of transport operators had already embraced the initiative.

“The terminal has modern facilities, including a fully air-conditioned drivers’ lounge and comfortable waiting areas for passengers. Everything required for a modern transportation system is embedded in the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal,” Ukaegbu said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the centralisation of transport operations would reduce traffic congestion, eliminate indiscriminate loading points and enhance security.

He added that the new arrangement would also reduce operating costs for transport operators and improve their earnings.

On the Abia State Senior Citizens’ Law No. 4 of 2025, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, clarified misconceptions surrounding the legislation.

She explained that the law does not provide monthly salaries for elderly citizens but is designed to guarantee access to healthcare and social welfare support.

“Anyone aged 60 years and above is recognised as a senior citizen under the law. However, the law does not mean that people will stay at home and receive monthly payments from the government,” she said.

“What the law guarantees is access to healthcare and inclusion in government interventions and programmes aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of elderly persons in the state.”

Felix urged residents to properly understand the provisions of the law and avoid spreading misleading information about its benefits.Headline alternatives:

1. Abia Begins Phased Relocation to Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal, Assures Operators

2. Transport Operators’ Concerns Will Be Addressed, Abia Govt Assures

3. Abia Defends New Central Bus Terminal, Clarifies Senior Citizens Law

4. Otti Administration Moves to Centralise Transport Operations in Umuahia

5. No Free Salaries for Elderly, Abia Clarifies Senior Citizens Law