Big changes are rolling into Umuahia — and not everyone’s thrilled about it just yet.

According to cbinews.tv, the Abia State Government has officially begun moving transport operators into the new Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in Umuahia as part of its centralised transport system rollout.

So, the state is finally putting its foot down. After loads of meetings with transport unions and stakeholders, the government has started enforcing the relocation. Info Commissioner Okey Kanu confirmed it on Tuesday after this week’s State EXCO meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Full operations have already kicked off at the terminal. The informal operators and unions are in, even though — let’s be real — change never comes easy. Kanu admitted there’s been “some push backs” because, well, people don’t just give in to new systems overnight.

“All the parks in the state have been moved to the bus terminal,” he said. The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and his team met with operators again just yesterday to sort out their worries. Enforcement actually started today to get everyone on board.

How’s it being rolled out? In phases:

1. Phase 1 – Abia Green Shuttle buses

2. Phase 2 – Informal transport operators

3. Phase 3 – Formal transport operators

Dr Ukaegbu was quick to clear the air when speaking to newsmen. “We haven’t taken away anybody’s means of livelihood,” he said. Instead, they’re pushing for a more organised, sanitised transport sector. Unions were asked to send four reps each to the terminal, where they’ll get proper ID with reflective tags.

And here’s the kicker: loading slots are now first-come, first-served. No union favouritism. Ukaegbu says 80 to 90% of operators are already on board, with talks ongoing for the rest.

The terminal itself? Pretty plush. There’s an air-conditioned drivers’ lodge with proper seats, and passengers wait in a cool, comfortable space too. “What else will you need as a transporter or even as a passenger? Everything good about transportation is embedded in that Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal,” Ukaegbu added.

Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, chipped in that this centralisation should cut down urban congestion, dodgy loading bays, extra costs for operators, and security issues from unregulated transport. Plus, fewer chances for passengers to get extorted. “Over the years we’ve seen transport operators extort people. With this organised system, we’re solving our problems,” he said.

Source: cbinews.tv

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