Abia Govt Refutes Claims of Taking Over Transport Union Operations

The Abia State Government has assured transport operators that the ongoing relocation of commercial transport activities to the Nnenna Otti Central Bus Terminal is not an attempt to take over the responsibilities or revenue sources of transport unions in the state.

The assurance followed concerns raised by some operators who feared that the new arrangement could lead to government control of their daily operations and earnings.

Speaking with journalists after the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, described such claims as false and misleading.

According to him, the majority of transport unions have embraced the relocation policy, while discussions are ongoing with operators who still have reservations about the move.

He said the government remained committed to engaging stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new transport system.

“Claims that the government has taken over the jobs and revenues of transport operators and their unions are unfounded,” Kanu stated.

He added, “We are meeting the transport operators and a few of their anxieties will be addressed soon.”

Also addressing the issue, the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, explained that the establishment of the central bus terminal was designed to improve orderliness within the transport sector and enhance commuter experience.

He noted that the initiative would help tackle challenges such as traffic congestion, indiscriminate loading of passengers and the activities of touts around motor parks.

Ukaegbu maintained that the government was not interested in running the affairs of transport unions but was focused on creating a more efficient and regulated transport environment.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, raised concerns over the growing number of tricycle operators entering Abia from neighbouring states without proper regulation.

He warned that the development could create security challenges if not properly monitored.

According to Ekeoma, the government has already begun strengthening security measures within the transport sector to ensure that operators are properly identified and their activities effectively supervised.

He stressed that the administration remains committed to protecting residents while building a safer and more organised transportation system across the state.