Electric buses take centre stage as Abia pushes clean transport for climate action

As cities across the world grapple with rising pollution and climate-related risks, attention is steadily shifting to cleaner ways of moving people.

In Abia State, that shift recently took a visible step forward with the official launch of electric buses as mass transit vehicles, a move being hailed as both a climate and public health intervention.

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called for stronger global collaboration in addressing pollution and climate change, stressing that practical solutions must be embraced at all levels.

Okonjo-Iweala made the call on Monday in Umuahia during the commissioning of electric buses procured by the Abia State Government, describing initiatives that support a safer climate as critical to protecting public health.

She praised Governor Alex Otti for positioning Abia as the first state in Nigeria to officially introduce electric buses into its transport system, expressing hope that other states would follow the example.

“One of the biggest things we suffer from in the world is the problem of pollution and climate change.

“And even though Africa contributes only three percent of global carbon emissions, which is very limited, yet all of us have to contribute to a better climate for the world,” she said.

Electric Transport as a Climate Solution

The introduction of electric buses represents a growing recognition that transport emissions play a major role in urban air pollution. Unlike diesel-powered vehicles, electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce carbon output and improve air quality in crowded cities.

Governor Otti said the initiative signals a forward-looking approach to transportation, noting that global mobility is steadily moving towards cleaner, zero-emission systems.

He added that the buses were designed with inclusivity in mind, with features that support Persons Living with Disabilities, and are capable of covering long distances on a single charge.

According to the governor, once fully charged, each vehicle can travel between 400 and 450 kilometres, making them suitable for daily commuter routes.

Free Transport for Commuters in Abia

Abia State Government also plans to use the electric buses to improve public transport access. Otti announced that commuters will enjoy free transportation between December and early January 2026 along designated routes.

To enhance passenger safety, he disclosed that the buses are equipped with special surveillance cameras.

According to him, the cameras will monitor activities onboard and help trace and record any unlawful acts.

In all, the launch places Abia at the forefront of Nigeria’s clean transport conversation, at a time when rising fuel costs, air pollution, and climate concerns are forcing governments to rethink mobility.