Otti Explains Why Abia Chose Electric Buses Over CNG
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has explained that his administration opted for electric vehicles (EVs) over Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses for public transportation because electric vehicles represent an advancement in transport technology.
Otti stated this during his monthly media briefing for October, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia on Friday night.
The governor stressed that the state government was not opposed to CNG but had chosen electric buses for its public transportation system.
“We are not opposed to CNG, but we chose electric vehicles for our public transportation system,” he said.
He explained that petrol and CNG-powered vehicles rely on internal combustion engines, while electric vehicles use a different propulsion system.
Despite the preference for electric buses, Otti said his administration was encouraging the establishment of additional CNG stations across the state to serve privately owned vehicles and other consumers.
According to him, some companies have expressed interest in setting up more CNG stations, with agreements already reached to facilitate the projects.
The governor acknowledged that CNG was cheaper to use than petrol, expressing optimism that the conversion of petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles to CNG would gain wider acceptance across Nigeria.
He also noted that Nigerian companies had the technical expertise to convert internal combustion engine vehicles to run on CNG.
On urban renewal efforts in Umuahia, Otti addressed concerns over persistent street trading in the city centre, particularly around Isi-Gate.
He maintained that street trading could not be completely eliminated, noting that similar practices existed in developed cities, including London.
However, he said the state government was committed to restoring order in the capital, adding that the relocation of traders from Isi-Gate would be gradual to avoid disrupting the livelihoods of those who depended on street trading for survival.
Otti assured affected traders that the government would provide compensation to those displaced by its urban renewal initiatives.
“We are a compassionate government. So, if we move you out of your shop, we will pay you compensation. We will ensure that,” he said.
He added that the government was exploring alternative locations for the traders to ensure they could continue their businesses without undermining efforts to improve orderliness in the city.
The governor said the administration was adopting a gradual approach to balancing urban development with the economic needs of residents, warning that displacing traders without considering their circumstances would defeat the purpose of the renewal programme.
