Abia State Governor [Alex Otti](https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/918872-otti-flags- off-reconstruction-of-two-key-aba-roads-after-years-of-neglect.html) has stated that his administration opted for electric vehicles rather than compressed natural gas buses for public mass transit because electric mobility represents an advanced technological shift in the transport sector.
The governor made this clarification during his monthly media interaction held on Friday evening at the Michael Okpara Auditorium located in Umuahia, the state capital.
While elaborating on the state's transport policy choices, Mr Otti noted that although the government favoured electric buses for state-managed public transportation, it remains supportive of private investors setting up additional CNG refuelling infrastructure within the region.
"We are not opposed to CNG, but we chose electric vehicles for our public transportation system," the governor stated during the briefing.
He pointed out that both conventional petroleum-powered automobiles and CNG- driven engines rely on internal combustion technology, whereas electric vehicles function through an entirely different propulsion mechanism.
Furthermore, he mentioned that discussions had yielded agreements with private investors keen on establishing more CNG stations to serve privately owned cars and other independent motorists across the state.
Why did the administration support CNG expansion?
Mr Otti acknowledged that compressed natural gas offers a more affordable alternative to petrol, expressing optimism that the nationwide conversion of petrol and diesel engines to CNG will gain deeper acceptance among Nigerians.
He also highlighted the role of local engineering firms in driving the conversion of internal combustion vehicles to run on cleaner gas.
How is the government handling street trading in Umuahia?
Addressing concerns surrounding ongoing street trading activities within the Umuahia city centre, notably around the Isi-Gate district, the governor maintained that street commerce is a common urban phenomenon found even in major global cities like London.
He assured citizens that the state's urban renewal initiatives would include adequate compensation for any petty traders displaced by the enforcement of public order.
Mr Otti explained that the clearance of traders from Isi-Gate would be executed gradually, keeping in mind that many vulnerable individuals rely entirely on daily street sales for survival.
He added that the administration is actively identifying alternative trading spaces to prevent displaced vendors from falling into economic hardship that could jeopardize public peace.
"We are a compassionate government. So, if we move you out of your shop, we will pay you compensation. We will ensure that," he affirmed, emphasising that a balanced, step-by-step approach is vital for sustainable urban planning.