The Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, has reiterated government’s commitment to reducing transportation costs and improving the sector.
Speaking while featuring in Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA) radio program “Good Governance”, Dr. Ukaegbu emphasized the critical role of transportation in societal development.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Transport is collaborating with key stakeholders to enhance the state’s transportation system, noting that Dr. Alex Otti-led administration is pro-business and is taking necessary steps to attract investors to the state.
The Commissioner revealed that the state is partnering the Nigerian Railway Corporation to revive mono-rail transportation, adding that neighbouring states, like Enugu and Akwa Ibom, have indicated interest in Mono rail which will connect the state with neighbouring states, thereby easing the strain of high transportation costs on citizens.
Dr. Ukaegbu emphasized government’s resolve to alleviate the burden of transportation, by providing free fuel to tricycle operators in Umuahia, and assured that the initiative would be extended to other parts of the state.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the ministry has partnered the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to sensitize drivers and passengers on safety measures and revealed that the Executives of Cooperative Motor Union are organizing free medical care for drivers to ensure they are healthy during the festive period.
He highlighted government’s commitment to security, pointing out that tricycles in the state are undergoing enumeration to assign unique identification codes for easy tracking aimed at curbing theft and tracking tricycles involved in criminal activities.
He also stated that plans are underway to digitalize the transport sector, establish motor stations, refill stations, and conversion centres for petrol vehicles.
