Abia introduces computerised vehicle inspection centres

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

The Abia State Government has announced that its Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centres in Aba and Umuahia are now fully operational, providing modern vehicle testing services aimed at improving roadworthiness and reducing road accidents.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

According to Kanu, the centres are designed to enhance safety, efficiency, affordability, and sustainable mobility, while also supporting economic growth in the state.

He also revealed that the Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal recorded 8,891 passengers shortly after commencing full operations and before its formal commissioning last week.

Providing updates on the state’s transportation initiatives, Kanu said the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service transported 196,950 passengers during its free-ridership period between December 24, 2025, and February 26, 2026. He added that another 145,413 passengers had used the service between March and May 2026 following its commercialisation.

“The figures demonstrate growing public confidence in the service due to its comfort, safety, and affordable fares,” he said.

Reflecting on the third anniversary of the current administration, Kanu said the celebrations offered an opportunity to review achievements recorded in infrastructure, education, healthcare, power, soft infrastructure, and economic reforms since 2023.

He noted that several projects were commissioned during the anniversary celebrations, including roads, hospitals, cottage hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and public buildings.

The commissioner disclosed that the governor would soon embark on another statewide tour to commission and flag off additional projects that could not be accommodated within the one-week anniversary programme.

According to him, more projects will be commissioned or flagged off in the coming weeks, as time constraints prevented some from being included in the anniversary activities.

Kanu further announced that the government had launched the first phase of the “NKATA” empowerment programme, under which beneficiaries across seven local government areas received a total of N306 million. He added that beneficiaries in the remaining 10 local government areas would be captured in subsequent phases.

On transportation, the commissioner said the recently commissioned Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal and the Abia Green Shuttle electric bus scheme had positioned the state among sub-national governments investing in modern transport infrastructure.

He disclosed that the Aba Central Bus Terminal is currently under construction and will feature 40 bus shelters, charging stations, and improved road junctions upon completion.

Speaking on road infrastructure, Kanu said 25 road projects were commissioned during the review period, with 19 executed through direct labour and six handled by contractors.

He explained that direct labour activities were carried out at 51 locations across the state, while 26 road projects remained under contract, with significant progress already recorded.

According to him, the administration has undertaken more than 400 road infrastructure projects covering over 800 kilometres since assuming office.

He added that another 82 roads spanning more than 200 kilometres would be completed in the coming months, bringing the total road network delivered by the administration to over 1,000 kilometres.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state government had initiated major tourism development projects. He said approval had been granted for the construction of monuments at strategic locations in Aba and Umuahia to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and boost tourism.

He added that renovation and retrofitting works had commenced at the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum in collaboration with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to enhance historical education and tourism.

Kanu further revealed that approval had been granted for the development of the Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu as a tourism destination.

He also disclosed that the government, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Women Affairs, would stage a re-enactment of the historic Aba Women’s Riot to honour the heroines of the movement and celebrate outstanding women across the state.

The commissioner noted that the state’s bid to secure Aba’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the Design category was progressing steadily.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at showcasing Aba’s globally recognised strengths in fashion, leatherworks, and craftsmanship.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, said the process of securing UNESCO Creative City status for Aba could take between two and three years, but remained crucial because of the city’s reputation as a centre for innovation, fashion, and manufacturing.

He said the state government had already engaged UNESCO, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments on the initiative.

Contributing on transport operations, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the migration of transport operators to the new bus terminal would be implemented in phases.

He explained that the Abia Green Shuttle buses had already commenced operations from the facility, while other commercial transport operators would relocate there gradually.

“The terminal was built to accommodate organised transport services, and all operators will eventually move into the facility,” he said.

Responding to concerns over salary arrears owed workers of the Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the delay resulted from efforts to properly capture all staff members and regularise their employment status.

He assured workers that the verification process had been completed and that payment of the outstanding salaries would commence in the near future.This version removes grammatical errors, eliminates repetition, tightens the structure, and aligns the story with standard newspaper reporting style.