Otti Unveils Umuahia Mega Bus Terminal, Names Facility after Prof. Nnenna Oti 

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has inaugurated the multi-modal bus terminal in Umuahia as part of efforts to modernise transportation, ease urban congestion and stimulate economic activities across the state.

Aerial view of the Mega Bus Terminal in Umuahia

The governor named the facility after the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri, Prof. Nnenna Oti, in recognition of her courage, integrity and commitment to truth during the 2023 governorship election in the state.

Professor Nnenna Oti served as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer during the election that brought Otti into office.

Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, Commissioner for Transport Abia State reading his address at the event.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Otti said that the terminal was designed as a modern transport hub with emphasis on accessibility, comfort, safety and environmental sustainability.

He said the facility, which could accommodate more than 340 buses simultaneously, formed part of an integrated transport system linked to recently completed junction improvement projects, bus shelters and electric bus services across the state.

Prof. Nnenna Oti, Vice Chancellor FUTO

According to him, the facility was built to transform transportation in Abia and improving the commuting experience for residents and visitors.

Otti disclosed that 20 electric buses were already operating on intra-city and inter-city routes within the state, while another 20 buses were expected in the coming weeks and an additional 30 before the end of the year.

“Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered with time, and commuters will be able to tell accurately when a particular bus will arrive and depart each station,” he said.

The governor further stated that the terminal was equipped with independent power and water systems to guarantee uninterrupted operations and efficient service delivery.

He urged residents, especially members of the host community, to take ownership of the facility by protecting it against vandalism and misuse.

Otti warned that the government would not tolerate indiscriminate disposal of waste, vandalism or theft within the facility, adding that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

The governor also called on citizens to fulfil their tax obligations, stressing that taxation remained critical to sustaining infrastructure development and governance in the state.

In his address, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, described the project as a major milestone in the transformation agenda of the present administration.

Ukaegbu said that the terminal represented more than a transport facility, noting that it symbolised order, modernisation, economic growth, safety and urban renewal.

According to him, the terminal reflects the government’s determination to build an efficient, organised and environmentally friendly transport system befitting a modern state.

“For many years, informal transport operations created congestion, insecurity, environmental degradation and operational inefficiencies within our urban centres.

“Today, we are changing the narrative with a structured and dignified environment for transport operators, commuters, visitors and businesses,” he said.

Ukaegbu said that the terminal would improve traffic management, reduce congestion, enhance passenger safety and comfort, as well as create employment and commercial opportunities.

The commissioner further said that the facility would increase the state’s internally generated revenue and position Umuahia as a model transport hub in Nigeria.

Ukaegbu noted that transportation remained a critical driver of economic development, adding that a functional transport system stimulates trade, tourism and productivity.

In his remarks, the Founding Managing Director of Planet Projects Ltd., Mr Biodun Otunola, described the terminal as the best transport facility his company had delivered in Nigeria.

Otunola described transportation as the “lifewire of the economy”, stressing that investment in the sector was critical to economic growth and social development.

He said that prior to the intervention, Umuahia had over 43 scattered motor parks lacking basic facilities such as toilets, parking spaces and lighting.

According to him, the transport reform plan recommended the establishment of a central terminal, 30 bus stations and improvements at major junctions across the city.

He said the government had delivered on the recommendations with the installation of traffic lights, street lights, traffic signs and bus stations across Umuahia.

Otunola added that the terminal featured air-conditioned waiting areas, public conveniences, commercial spaces, restaurants and a motel for travellers.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Prof. Nnenna Oti, urged Nigerians to always stand for truth and justice.

Oti said that national development would only be achieved when citizens consistently chose to do the right thing irrespective of challenges.

“I see a new Nigeria where it will become natural for everyone to do the right thing,” she said.

The Eagle News further reports that the governor inaugurated several roads in Umuahia, including the 6-kilometers(km), Tower-Onuimo Road, which was renamed Uma Ukpai Way, in honour of renowned television evangelist, late Dr Uma Ukpai.

Others are Umuogo-Nsukwe Road, Club Road, Ibiam Street, Library Avenue, 3.8km Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road was renamed J.O.J Okezie Road and 4.3km Orpet-Ahiaeke Road.