Otti Commissions Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, Names It After Prof Nnenna Oti

The Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, has officially commissioned the newly built Umuahia Central Bus Terminal giving Umuahia, the State capital a facelift.

Commissioning the gigantic transportation project in a colourful ceremony held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Governor Otti named it, Prof. Nnenne Oti Central Bus Terminal, describing the project as a bold symbol of the new Abia, adding that it is a clear demonstration that the State has ended the era of “playing small” in infrastructure development.

Gov Otti said that the ultra-modern transport terminal reflects his administration’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure, capable of driving economic growth, improving transportation, and restoring public confidence in governance.

The Governor stated that the terminal, which can accommodate more than 340 buses at a time, forms part of the broader transportation reform agenda of his administration, aimed at creating an organised, safe, and efficient transport system across the State.

Governor Otti noted that after delivering hundreds of kilometres of roads across Abia, the government has now expanded its focus to modern transport infrastructure including bus terminals, bus shelters, traffic management systems, and electric buses.

According to Governor Otti, “The days of playing small are over in Abia State. What we are building is a modern transport ecosystem that supports commerce, mobility, safety, and economic prosperity for our people.” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor added that the terminal was carefully designed with emphasis on accessibility, environmental sustainability, commuter comfort, and provisions for persons living with disabilities.

Governor Otti further disclosed that the State currently operates 20 electric buses on both intra-city and inter-city routes, while another 20 electric buses alongside 30 additional buses under construction would soon arrive in the State.

He explained that similar transport infrastructure projects are ongoing in Aba, including, a bus terminal, the construction of bus shelters and major junction upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow and commuter experience.

The Governor also explained that the terminal was named after Professor Nnenna Oti in recognition of her courage, integrity, and commitment to truth during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.

“Professor Nnenna Oti stood firmly on the side of truth at a critical moment in our State’s history.

“By doing the right thing despite enormous pressure, she restored public confidence in the electoral process and became a symbol of integrity for future generations,” Governor Otti stated.

The State Chief Executive used the occasion to urge residents and community leaders to continue supporting his government through prompt payment of taxes, stressing that taxes remain the lubricant for sustainable development.

Governor Otti noted that communities benefiting from government projects must also contribute responsibly to the growth and development of the State through civic responsibility and accountability.

The Governor also paid tribute to late Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, who started the process of the bus terminal, describing his death as painful and unfortunate, and directed that a minute silence be observed in his honour.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Nmeregini, commended Governor Otti for his intentional and people-oriented governance across the State.

He said that members of the State House of Assembly were proud of the infrastructural transformation taking place in Umuahia and other parts of Abia under the present administration, and noted that Governor Otti had restored dignity and confidence in governance through transparent leadership and faithful execution of projects approved by the legislature.

In his address, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, described the terminal as a major milestone in the transformation journey of Abia State through purposeful leadership and strategic infrastructure development.

He said that the facility represents more than a transport hub, noting that it symbolises modernisation, orderliness, economic growth, urban renewal, and safer transport operations.

The Commissioner noted that the terminal would significantly improve traffic management in Umuahia, reduce congestion, enhance passenger safety and comfort, create employment opportunities, and increase the State’s internally generated revenue.

He commended the transport infrastructure team, engineers, consultants, contractors, transport unions, and other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful completion of the project.

Also speaking, Prof. Nnenna Oti expressed appreciation to the Governor for the honour bestowed on her, while reaffirming the importance of integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership in public service.

She stressed the need for leaders to remain committed to doing what is right for the people at all times and stand on the side of truth, expressing the hope that Nigeria would rise to become a nation where truth, justice and honesty would thrive, and said that she stood on the truth and ensured that votes counted in the 2023 elections.

In his speech on behalf of the project designers and developers, the Managing Director, Planet Projects, Mr Biodium Otunola, described the Nnenna Central Bus Terminal as the best transport facility his company has ever built in Nigeria.

According to him, Governor Otti insisted on world-class standards throughout the project and repeatedly delayed commissioning until every aspect of the terminal met the highest quality requirements.

He disclosed that the facility features over 62 air conditioners, more than 30 public conveniences, 22 shops, commercial centres, a restaurant, and a motel, all designed to provide comfort and convenience for commuters and visitors.

He added that the terminal forms part of a comprehensive transport reform programme that has already delivered traffic lights, bus stations, road signs, and street lighting across Umuahia.

Earlier in his remarks, the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Government took the mammoth crowd through the journey of achieving the transport, thanking the Governor and the whole team for working together to achieve the delivery of a world class transport terminal.

The wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the National and State House Assembly, top government officials, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, stakeholders, transport union members among others were present at the event.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.