Abia Hosts South-East Transport Conference On Green Mobility Solutions

Abia State is set to host transport experts, policymakers, investors, researchers, regulators and industry stakeholders from across Nigeria for the South-East Zonal Transport Conference 2026, a gathering aimed at promoting sustainable urban mobility and green energy solutions in the transportation sector.

The conference is being organized by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) in partnership with the Abia State Government, to be held from June 17 to 19, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for June 18 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.

Addressing journalists during a media briefing on Wednesday, the South-East Zonal Coordinator of CIOTA and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs Ijeoma Okere, described the conference as a strategic platform designed to tackle emerging transportation challenges and explore innovative solutions capable of driving economic growth while addressing environmental concerns.

The conference is themed: “Advancing Urban Transport Through Sustainable Urban Mobility and Green Energy Solution.”

According to Okere, the theme reflects the urgent need for Nigerian cities and urban centres to embrace transportation systems that are innovative, environmentally responsible and economically sustainable.

“The theme reflects the urgent need for Nigerian cities and urban centres to embrace innovative, environmentally sustainable and economically viable transportation systems capable of meeting the mobility needs of our growing population while contributing to national development and environmental sustainability,” she said.

She noted that despite the South-East’s position as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant economic regions, it continues to face major transportation challenges, including traffic congestion, inadequate public transport infrastructure, environmental degradation, road safety concerns and the increasing demand for efficient mobility solutions.

“These realities demand coordinated action, strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration,” Okere stated.

She explained that the conference has been carefully structured to facilitate discussions on sustainable urban mobility, transport infrastructure development, clean energy transportation technologies, smart mobility systems, logistics efficiency, transport policy reforms, investment opportunities and public-private sector partnerships.

The CIOTA coordinator said the event would bring together transport professionals, government officials, development agencies, academics, captains of industry and transport operators to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions for the future of transportation in the region and across the country.

Okere disclosed that Governor Alex Otti will serve as the Chief Host of the conference, citing his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic transformation as one of the reasons Abia was selected to host the event.

She also announced that the conference will feature a keynote presentation by Prof. Innocent Ogwude, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, whom she described as one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars in transport technology.

Other notable speakers expected at the conference include the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, among other transportation experts and policymakers.

Okere expressed optimism that the conference would produce recommendations capable of influencing transportation policies, investment decisions, institutional reforms and sustainable mobility initiatives across the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.

“Together, we can build a transport system that not only supports economic growth but also enhances quality of life, promotes environmental sustainability and strengthens regional integration and national prosperity,” she added.

Speaking further, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, said Abia earned the hosting rights due to the ongoing transport reforms being implemented by the administration of Governor Otti.

According to him, initiatives such as the deployment of electric vehicles, the introduction of the Tap-and-Pay transport system and the establishment of the Nnenna Otti Transport Terminal have positioned Abia as a leading example of smart and sustainable urban mobility in Nigeria.

He noted that the conference would provide participants with the opportunity to witness firsthand the state’s progress in green transportation while contributing to discussions that will shape future transport policies and master plans for the South-East region and the nation at large.