Governor Alex Otti has clarified why his administration is prioritising electric vehicles (EVs) for Abia State’s public transportation network instead of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) alternatives.
The Governor stated that while the state is not opposed to the use of CNG, the strategic choice for the public transport fleet is to move towards electric mobility. This decision marks a departure from the current federal trend, as the Nigerian government has been aggressively promoting CNG to help citizens manage the high cost of petrol following the removal of fuel subsidies.
The Governor’s stance, which explained the state’s preference for electric buses over CNG, suggests a long-term focus on decarbonisation and the modernisation of the state’s transport infrastructure.
Strategic shift in Abia’s transport policy
The Federal Government’s Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) has sought to establish a nationwide network of gas refilling stations and conversion centres. This initiative is designed to leverage Nigeria’s natural gas reserves to provide a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to petrol for motorists and commercial transporters.
However, by opting for electric buses, the Abia State government is betting on a different technological path. Electric vehicles offer the advantage of zero tailpipe emissions, which can significantly reduce urban air pollution. Furthermore, in the long term, electric motors typically require less mechanical maintenance than internal combustion engines, regardless of whether they run on petrol or gas.
Despite these benefits, the implementation of an electric bus fleet in Nigeria presents distinct challenges. The success of such a system relies heavily on a stable and reliable electricity supply to power charging stations. Given the frequent instability of the national grid, the Abia State government will likely need to invest in dedicated power solutions, such as solar energy or independent power plants, to ensure the transport system remains functional.
The decision also places Abia in a position to pioneer green technology in the South-East region. While most states are currently focused on the immediate relief offered by CNG to combat inflation and fuel costs, Abia is positioning itself for a transition that anticipates a global shift away from fossil fuels entirely.
The state government is expected to provide further details regarding the procurement of the electric fleet and the specific timeline for the rollout of the new charging infrastructure across the state.
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