Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the ongoing construction of the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, describing the project as a landmark initiative set to transform transportation services in the state.
The Governor made this known during an inspection tour of the project site on Wednesday, where he likened the facility to the Paddington Terminal in the United Kingdom, noted for integrating rail, road, and commercial services within a single location.
Governor Otti explained that the concept behind the multimodal transport system is to centralise all transportation activities in Umuahia, creating a one-stop hub for commuters, passengers, and travellers.
“This is nothing new; it has been done elsewhere. When you go to the UK, Paddington Terminal ensures convergence of the railway, other means of transportation, and commercial facilities like shopping plazas, cinemas, and hotels,” the Governor said.
“So we thought it wise to concentrate all transport terminals in one location, instead of having different terminals scattered across the town.”
He commended the consultants handling the project, describing them as “very, very up to the task,” and expressed optimism about the level of progress.
“Hopefully, before the end of this month, the contractors would have gone far, even if they do not complete the project,” he added.
While declining to state a specific completion percentage, Governor Otti emphasised that quality outweighs speed, assuring that additional time would be granted if necessary to ensure proper delivery.
“It’s better done right the first time. So far, I am glad with the level of progress and the quality of work,” he stated.
On what residents should expect, the Governor urged patience, saying,
“Be patient and be expectant. I am sure you will be happy with what you see.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Chimezie Ukegbu, explained that the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is designed to serve as a one-stop transit hub, integrating rail, bus, and other transport services.
According to him, the railway station, bus station, and all motor parks in Umuahia will be centralised at the terminal—an initiative also being replicated in Aba, the state’s commercial hub.
“The railway station design is almost completed. We have had several meetings with the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engineer Opaifa, who has given us approval to relocate the train station to the Central Bus Terminal,” Ukegbu revealed.
He noted that the project aims to ensure that commuters can access any mode of transport from a single location, adding that similar facilities in Aba are expected to be completed by May.
On accommodation for late-night travellers, the Commissioner clarified that while a guest house is not included in the design, adequate waiting spaces have been provided.
“We intend to run a 24-hour operation. There are spaces designed to accommodate people who may need to wait overnight,” he explained.
