CLAIM: Abia becomes the first state in Nigeria to launch an electric bus transport system.

VERDICT: False.

FULL STORY

A social media claim reports that Abia State is the first in Nigeria to launch an electric bus transport system.

In a statement issued on Saturday, 11 October 2025, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, announced that the launch of the Electric Vehicle Transport System—referred to as the Abia Green Shuttle Service—is part of ongoing initiatives to modernise the state’s transportation infrastructure and advance sustainability efforts.

Praising the state government’s achievements, X user @pearlywhitegem made the post on the 11th of October 2025, with the caption, “BREAKING: Abia becomes the first Nigerian state to launch electric bus transport system. Gov. Otti’s administration has made history as Abia state becomes the first government in Nigeria to introduce an electric vehicle public transport system known as the Abia Green Shuttle”

As of the time of this report, the post had received more than 186,000 views, 247 likes, and 44 reposts.

According to available media reports, the Lagos State government announced on April 30, 2023, the delivery of the first set of electric buses for the Lagos State Mass Transit Scheme. This disproves the Abia State claim.

According to available media reports, Lagos was the first state to implement the initiative. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, took to his Twitter page to announce the arrival of the first batch of 100 buses, which was achieved through a partnership with Oando Clean Energy Limited.

Two electric buses have been operating in Lagos State since 2023—one on the Lagos-Badagry expressway and one on Ikorodu-TBS. The pilot scheme is currently being tested for viability before being put on a large scale.

CONCLUSION

The assertion that Abia is the first state to introduce an electric bus transport system is inaccurate, as Lagos has been implementing a similar initiative since 2023.

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