The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged collective global action to address pollution and challenges arising from climate change.
Okonjo-Iweala, who spoke in Umuahia on Monday while inaugurating electric buses acquired by the Abia State government, said initiatives that promote climate safety must be encouraged for the sake of public health.
The former Nigerian Minister of Finance commended Governor Alex Otti and his administration for becoming the first state in the country to officially roll out electric buses, expressing confidence that other states would adopt similar initiatives.
“One of the biggest things we suffer from in the world is the problem of pollution and climate change.
“And even though Africa contributes only three percent of global carbon emissions, which is very limited, yet all of us have to contribute to a better climate for the world,” she said.
Speaking during the commissioning, Abia State Governor Alex Otti said the deployment of electric buses symbolised a shift toward a new future, noting that the global trend is moving toward zero emissions.
Otti, who stated that the buses were specially designed to cater to Persons Living with Disabilities, said that when fully charged, the vehicles could travel between 400 and 450 kilometres.
The governor announced that the buses would offer free transportation to Abia commuters between December and the early part of January 2026 along designated routes.
He disclosed that special cameras had been installed in the buses to ensure passenger safety, explaining that the devices would track and record all unlawful activities.
