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Abia state did not launch Nigeria’s first electric bus system!

Fatimah Quadri
Fatimah Quadri
Reading Time: 1 min.
Screenshot of the claim; Abia state first to launch electric buses in Nigeria; Insert; FALSE verdict
Screenshot of the claim; Abia state first to launch electric buses in Nigeria; Insert; FALSE verdict

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A claim that Abia State is the first state in Nigeria to launch an electric bus transport system has surfaced on the internet.

The claim was made in a post on X by user @pearlywhitegem, who was reacting to the news that the electric vehicle public transport system, known as the Abia Green Shuttle Service, was set to launch in the state by the Abia State Government.

The post read:

BREAKING: Abia Becomes First Nigerian State to Launch Electric Bus Transport System

Gov’ Alex 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

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Since the claim surfaced on Saturday, October 11, 2025, it has garnered over 100,000 views, 248 likes, and 120 reposts on X.

CLAIM

Abia State is the first in Nigeria to introduce an electric bus transportation system.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE!

A Google search using the keywords “first electric bus transport system in Nigeria” produced several reports showing that Lagos State is the first in the country to introduce electric buses for mass transit.

Several media houses, such as Premium Times, TheCable, and The Guardian, highlighted that the Lagos State Government had received its first batch of electric buses through a partnership with Oando Clean Energy Limited.

The Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, explained that each bus can travel up to 280 kilometres on a full charge, making them suitable for Lagos’ traffic patterns. He added that, with existing BRT buses averaging 200 kilometres daily, residents need not worry about the vehicles stopping mid-route.

READ ALSO : Is Nigeria the only West African country with light rail system?

According to him, the new buses would not only cut carbon emissions but also reduce fuel expenses and improve efficiency, offering Lagosians a cleaner and more affordable transport option.

THE VERDICT

The claim that Abia State is the first in Nigeria to introduce an electric bus transportation system is false; Lagos did so in 2023.

Fact-checker at The FactheckHub | fquadri@icirnigeria.org |  + posts

Seasoned fact-checker and researcher Fatimah Quadri has written numerous fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy pieces for The FactCheckHub in an effort to combat information disorder. She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org.

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