Managing Director / CEO at the Abia State Transport Authority (ABTA) - H.Pierson Associates Limited

H.Pierson Associates Limited - Our client, the Abia State Transport Authority (ABTA), soon to be established, is a fully autonomous government corporation, created by the State Legislature to serve as the primary strategic planner, regulator, and coordinator of roads within the State and its metropolitan area.

The Transport Authority's mandate is to create a world-class, integrated, efficient, and sustainable public transportation system that supports the State's economic growth and enhances the quality of life for all residents.

They are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Managing Director / CEO

Location: Umuahia, Abia

Job Summary

• The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) is responsible for providing strategic leadership, establishing the institutional framework, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing the integrated planning and operation of all public transport systems within the State to achieve the Authority's transformation mandate.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Institutional Development:

• The Managing Director provides overarching leadership, direction, and executive stewardship for the entire Transport Authority.
• The Managing Director is responsible for translating government policy, Board directives, and legislative mandates into strategic action, operational programmes, and measurable results.
• Lead the development, revision, and execution of the Authority's long-term strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the state government transportation vision.
• Provide policy direction, strategic prioritisation, and leadership in institutional reform across directorates.
• Lead the establishment and scaling of the organisation, from the ground up.
• Serve as the Chief Advocate for the Authority's strategic policies and legislative needs with the State Government, Executive Council, and House of Assembly.
• The MD oversees all directorates, including Public Transport, Infrastructure Engineering, Shared Services, Corporate Investment, Safety and Security, Internal Audit, and the Legal Secretariat.
• Approve executive appointments within Directorates.

Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement:

• Establish and enforce comprehensive regulatory frameworks, operating standards, and safety guidelines for all public transport operators.
• Oversee the development and implementation of transparent, cost-reflective, and politically sensible public transport tariffs and fee structures.
• Ensure the Authority, its partners, and operators adhere strictly to all Federal and State laws, including environmental, safety, and operational regulations.
• Approve operational manuals, SOPs, and service guidelines for transport delivery.
• Champion internal and external audits, risk assessments, and internal control improvements.
• Oversee policy input for transport infrastructure planning and alignment with engineering designs.

Financial Sustainability and Revenue Generation:

• Ensure prudent financial management, transparency, and accountability across the Authority's operations.
• Develop and execute robust Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) strategies, leveraging technology for fare collection (e.g., electronic ticketing) and optimising non-fare revenue sources (e.g., advertising, commercial leasing of terminal space).
• Lead efforts to attract, secure, and manage private sector investments, grants, and development finance (DFI) funding for major transport infrastructure projects.
• Provide leadership over the financial health of the Authority, ensuring responsible budgeting, expenditure control, revenue optimisation, and grant management.
• Approve annual budgets and long-term financial plans, ensuring fiscal sustainability.

Stakeholder Management & Public Engagement:

• Maintain critical working relationships with the State Governor's Office, the Ministry of Transport, and other relevant governmental agencies (e.g., Physical Planning, Environment).
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Authority, managing public relations, communicating major policy shifts, and promoting public confidence in the transport system.
• Serve as principal representative of the Authority to the Governor (in transportation-related matters), in relation to Ministries, State House of Assembly, transport operators, unions, regulatory bodies, donor agencies, private partners, and the public.

Leadership, Governance & Organisational Culture:

• Promote a high-performance culture focused on transparency, accountability, professionalism, and innovation.
• Mentor other members of the Transport Authority leadership team, contributing to their professional development and growth.
• Any other duties as assigned by His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Urban Planning.
• Master's Degree in Transportation Management, Transport Planning, or a related transportation discipline.
• Executive education from world-class institutions (e.g., Harvard Kennedy School, London Business School).
• Chartered membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., COREN, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria – CITA).
• Certification in Public–Private Partnerships (PPP).
• Minimum of 15 years of total professional work experience.
• Prior work experience in institutions similar to LAMATA or equivalent organisations is preferred.
• Experience within the transport sector is required.
• At least 10 years of industry-specific experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience at a senior management level.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of multimodal transport systems (BRT, buses, rail, NMT, ferries).
• Knowledge of urban mobility trends, demand forecasting, and transport modelling.
• Ability to translate transport master plans into implementable programmes.
• Experience developing transport policies, regulations, and operational frameworks.
• Ability to evaluate operational performance, service reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Knowledge of transport regulations, licensing, safety standards, environmental and emissions-related requirements.
• Experience developing regulatory guidelines, tariff frameworks, permits, operator performance metrics, and enforcement systems.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online