Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has approved the establishment of an SME Village and Innovation Hub in Aba as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth and strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
The approval was granted by the State Executive Council and disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the proposed SME Village is aimed at positioning SMEs as a major driver of Abia’s economy.
He explained that the facility, when completed, would accommodate computer dealers, mobile phone sellers, repair technicians and related businesses, while also helping to decongest parts of Aba currently burdened by unregulated commercial activities.
Kanu further revealed that a one-stop Export Growth Lab and trade support facility located within the premises of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated before the end of February.
According to him, the projects form part of the administration’s deliberate policy to create an enabling environment for enterprise growth, job creation and industrial expansion across the state.
He noted that the initiatives are designed to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks faced by small businesses, manufacturers and exporters, while repositioning Aba as a more competitive commercial hub.
“These facilities are aimed at facilitating ease of doing business among SMEs in Aba and its environs. When fully operational, the Export Growth Lab will assist in activities such as business registration and NAFDAC approvals, among others,” Prince Kanu said.
On transportation, the Commissioner announced plans by the state government to introduce electronic ticketing for the recently launched electric bus services.
He recalled that the ongoing pilot scheme, which commenced with free rides for residents, has been in operation for over a month and will cease to be free by the end of February.
“Upon the full commencement of the mass transit services, Abians will be expected to pay token fares to ensure the sustainability of the scheme,” he said.
Prince Kanu explained that the fare structure would be based on an analysis of prevailing market rates for services such as tricycles (keke) and mini-buses, as well as distance-based cost rates, supported by government-backed fare moderation.
He said the electronic ticketing system would eliminate cash handling by conductors and would feature contactless smart cards, prepaid and pay-as-you-go options, transaction time recording and a centralised revenue monitoring dashboard.
Providing operational statistics, the Commissioner disclosed that between December 22 and January 29, the pilot scheme transported a total of 106,116 passengers over 74,796.6 kilometres.
He added that 14 buses were deployed daily, each conveying an average of 3,034 passengers, giving operators valuable insights into intra-city and inter-city mobility demand.
He assured that the scheme would provide commuters with choices, noting that the introduction of electric buses would coexist with existing transport services such as keke and mini-buses.
“Abians will witness a transformed urban mass transit system with world-class, state-of-the-art bus services that guarantee affordability, comfort and an environmentally friendly commuting experience,” Prince Kanu stated.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, said the government was undertaking widespread sensitisation to educate residents on the use of the electronic ticketing system, given the public’s familiarity with cash payments.
“Our people are used to paying with cash, which is why we are carrying out sensitisation. The world is going digital. The system is simple—tap and pay. There will be wallets and vendors stationed at bus shelters to assist commuters in loading their cards,” she explained.
Dr Nwaogbe added that provisions had been made to assist elderly passengers and others who may find it difficult to use the system, stressing that the e-ticketing process is user-friendly.
She also disclosed that the electric bus services would operate on multiple routes and would not displace existing transport operators. According to her, boarding would be orderly, with commuters required to queue before entering the buses.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, was also present at the briefing.
