Abia State Emerges as Nigeria’s Beacon of Climate-Resilient Development with Pioneering Green Transport System – ICAS.

In a bold stride that positions it at the forefront of sustainable urban mobility in Africa, the Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has launched a comprehensive green transportation initiative, earning acclaim from international sustainability experts.

The program, which includes the deployment of a state-owned electric mass transit fleet of 80, to be deployed in phases and the construction of modern eco-friendly bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba, are being hailed as a transformative model for sub-national climate action.

In a statement issued from the headquarters of the Institute of Climate Adaptation and Sustainability (ICAS) in Lagos, Co-founder and President John E. Thompson commended Otti’s administration for its visionary leadership.

“What we are witnessing in Abia State is not merely a infrastructure project; it is a masterclass in integrated, climate-smart governance,” stated Thompson. “Governor Otti and his dedicated team at the Ministry of Transport, led by the proactive Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, have seamlessly woven together the critical threads of climate mitigation, public safety, and economic pragmatism. This is precisely the kind of forward-thinking leadership that the African continent needs to build a resilient future.”

The initiative’s core components directly address two of the most pressing challenges in rapidly developing urban centres: carbon emissions and transport-related accidents. The electric mass transit buses will provide a clean, quiet, and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel-powered vehicles, significantly reducing Abia’s urban carbon footprint and improving air quality for its citizens.

Furthermore, the concurrent focus on transport safety reforms -including driver training, traffic law enforcement, and the design of the new terminals – creates a holistic system that protects both people and the planet.

Thompson, an OHSE professional and Sustainable Social Standards Expert, who doubles as Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria(ISPON),coordinator for Abia state, emphasized that this dual focus is not just a social good but a powerful economic strategy. “From the perspective of global climate finance and investment, Abia State is now sending an unambiguous signal to the world,” he explained. “By taking verifiable, concrete action on climate mitigation, the state is de-risking itself for international green investors and aligning perfectly with the stringent criteria of global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds. Simultaneously, by creating a safer, more orderly transport system, they are building the foundational stability that businesses require to thrive. This makes Abia a uniquely attractive investment destination in Nigeria.”

He concluded by noting that Abia’s model offers a scalable blueprint for other states. “The Otti administration has demonstrated that the transition to a green economy is not a distant ideal but an achievable present. They have moved from rhetoric to action, and in doing so, are paving the way for a new era of sustainable prosperity. ICAS will be watching Abia’s progress with great interest and will hold it up as a benchmark for effective sub-national climate action.”

About ICAS:
ICAS is a research, development and capacity-building institution dedicated to addressing the challenges of climate change and promoting sustainable development in Africa. ICAS serves as a hub for climate change research, innovation, and policy engagement, providing cutting-edge solutions to enhance Africa’s resilience to climate change.

Our Mission:
ICAS aims to enhance Nigeria’s resilience to climate change by providing cutting-edge research, innovation, and capacity building for sustainable livelihoods.
Towards realizing this mission, ICAS in 2025 signed Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Michael University of Agriculture, Umudike(MOUAU), for cutting-edge research and broader skills – set and capacity development programmes.

E- signed.
J. E. Thompson, CSR, ANIPR, MISPN, FICAS, FECRMI.
Co-founder/ President
Institute of Climate Adaptation and Sustainability(ICAS), Lagos.