Abia Government Says It Has No Plans to Seize Transport Unions’ Jobs or Revenue

Abia State Government has stated that it has no intention of taking over the jobs and revenue of transport unions following the relocation of commercial buses to the Nnenna Otti Central Bus Terminal.

The announcement comes after concerns from some transport operators that enforcing operations at the central bus terminal might shift their daily income and employment to the state government.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday about the results of the Abia State Executive Council meeting, Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu clarified that the state has not assumed control of transport operators’ jobs or union revenues, contrary to speculation.

Kanu added that most transport unions in the state support the move to the new bus terminal and that the concerns raised by operators in 29 motor parks in Umuahia are being addressed.

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

Abia State Commissioner for Transport Chimezie Ukaegbu also denied claims that the government is taking over union jobs, explaining that an organized transportation system has been introduced to replace informal touting and congestion.

On security matters, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity Ferdinand Ekeoma revealed that Abia State is experiencing an influx of unregulated tricycle operators from neighbouring states. He warned that this influx could pose a security threat and said the state government is tightening its security measures to closely monitor their operations.