Governor Alex Otti of Abia state [PHOTO CREDIT: Alex C. Otti]
“We are not opposed to CNG, but we chose electric vehicles for our public transportation system,” the governor said.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says his administration chose Electric Vehicles (EVs) over Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses because EVs represent an upgrade in transportation technology.
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Mr Otti explained that the government opted for electric buses for its public transportation system for this reason.
He spoke at the October edition of his monthly media briefing, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia on Friday night.
He said that despite the preference for EVs, the Abia State Government still encouraged establishing additional CNG stations in the state.
“We are not opposed to CNG, but we chose electric vehicles for our public transportation system,” the governor said.
He said both petrol and CNG vehicles operate on internal combustion engines, while EVs require a different propulsion system.
He added that some companies had expressed interest in establishing additional CNG stations in the state, and that agreements had been reached with them.
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He explained that the proposed stations would cater for privately owned vehicles and other consumers, rather than the state’s public transportation system.
Mr Otti said that CNG is cheaper to use than petrol and expressed optimism that converting petrol and diesel vehicles to CNG would gain more traction in the country.
He also said that Nigerian companies specialise in converting internal combustion engine vehicles to CNG.
Otti speaks on street trading at Umuahia city centre
Mr Otti also responded to purported complaints about the continued street trading at Umuahia city centre, popularly called Isi-Gate.
According to him, street trading cannot be eliminated; it still operates in other developed parts of the world, including London.
He promised compensation to traders who might be displaced by the state’s urban renewal efforts.
Mr Otti said the Abia State Government was working to restore order in the capital city, particularly by tackling challenges associated with street trading.
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He said the relocation of traders from Isi-Gate would be gradual, considering that many petty traders on the street depend on that income for their livelihoods.
He said the government was still exploring alternative locations for affected traders to avoid pushing them into activities that could further undermine public order.
“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.
Mr Otti argued that displacing traders without considering their economic circumstances would defeat the purpose of the government’s urban renewal programme.
“It doesn’t make sense to drive everybody away. Who are you even sanitising the place for?
“So, it is a balancing act. We are handling it step by step,” he said.