In less than two years, this metropolitan city has been recast as a dynamic hub of industry, innovation, and investment.

A Bold Vision, Executed with Precision

When Mbah took office in May 2023, he inherited a state with a $4.4 billion GDP heavily reliant on federal allocations.

His response was decisive: a promise to elevate Enugu’s economy to $30 billion within eight years, anchored in concrete reforms that would end the era of red tape.

Within weeks, Executive Order 005 mandated transparency across MDAs, requiring published service-level agreements that laid bare costs, timelines, and responsibilities.

Infrastructure Unleashed: Roads, Water, and Power

Mbah turned Enugu into a construction sandbox. Over 732 roads, a record-breaking feat, now weave through urban and rural areas, unlocking new zones for agriculture, real estate, and logistics. At the same time, water production rose from 2 million to 120 million litres daily by reviving the 9th Mile and Oji River schemes.

He also signed the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023 and operationalised the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission, fuelling industrial zones with consistent energy supply and inviting private sector participation in power generation.

Digital Foundations and Business-Friendly Reforms

From the outset, Mbah recognized that modern economies require modern systems. Over 300 kilometres of roads and nearly 380,000 metres of fibre optic cables now criss–cross the city, supporting AI-enabled command-and-control centres for security and surveillance, complete with facial recognition and number-plate tracking.

Enugu’s land administration was similarly transformed: through the Enugu Geographic Information Services (ENGIS) over 80% of land titles were digitised, slashing processing times to 72 hours and eliminating corruption-prone delays.

Meanwhile, tax reforms, including a unified electronic filing system, produced a 286% surge in internally generated revenue, reaching ₦144.7 billion by September 2024.

Reviving Industry: From Legacy Firms to New Investment Parks

In a move signaling industrial ambition, Enugu is reviving dormant giants such as Sunrise Flour Mills, United Palm Produce Ltd., and Nigergas Ltd.

These legacy players are finding new life, alongside the development of Lion Business Park, a Free Trade and Industrial Zone set to anchor private investment and job creation.

Moreover, the New Enugu City Project, spanning 10,000 hectares, is envisioned as a smart city integrating residential zones, medical centres, innovation parks, and efficient public transport systems, powered by smart utility grids and high-speed connectivity.

Education, Health, Agriculture: Building the Future Workforce

Governor Mbah has prioritized long-term growth by transforming the human capital ecosystem. His administration commissioned 260 Smart Green Schools, integrating ICT, robotics, and AI resources in every ward to prepare students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Health reforms include 260 state-of-the-art primary healthcare centers, accessible even in remote areas.

In agriculture, Enugu signed MoUs to harness over 7,000 hectares at Ugwujoro, Nimbo, focusing on commercial farming and agro-processing as components of GDP expansion and job creation.

Security, Logistics, and Regional Integration

Security received a tech-driven overhaul with the launch of the Distress Response Squad, AI surveillance vehicles, and thousands of CCTV cameras, making Enugu one of Nigeria’s most securitized states.

Logistically, the state is building mega transport hubs in Nsukka, Garki, and Ogbete, alongside planning truck terminals, a dry port, and an enhanced Enugu Airport cargo terminal. In transport innovation, CNG mass transit and electric buses are set to revitalize intra-state movement and reduce emissions.

Enugu’s Renaissance: No Longer Just a Civil Servants State

Governor Peter Mbah’s tenure marks a radical departure from Enugu’s perception as a sleepy, bureaucratic state.

His disruptive strategies, economic, infrastructural, and digital, are reshaping Enugu into an industrial epicentre poised for trade, manufacturing, and innovation.

Once constrained by dependence on federal allocations, Enugu now pilfers investor confidence, industry, and opportunity, laying bold claim to its fate as a South East mega‑economy and investment destination.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Inclusive Economic Transformation

As Mbah charts Enugu’s course from “Civil Servants State” to Industrial and Investment Hub, his model combines visionary thinking with operational rigor.

By fusing transparency reforms, infrastructure scale-up, legacy industry revival, and human capital investment, his administration is writing a new chapter in Enugu’s development story.

If sustained, Governor Mbah’s industrial vision may not only reshape Enugu, at a GDP of $30 billion and counting, it may redefine the future of state-led growth across Nigeria.

According to the state government, Enugu Air is part of Governor Peter Mbah Administration’s integrated blueprint for a modern, multimodal transport ecosystem and vision to make Enugu a major aviation hub.

In the statement signed by Dr. Obi Ozor, the commissioner for Transportation, the government said that the launch of Enugu Air would take place at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, as the special guest of Honour, among other dignitaries.

“Enugu Air will take off with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft, E170 and E190 series, selected for their efficiency, comfort, and adaptability to the regional market.

“The inaugural routes will establish a ‘golden triangle’ with Enugu at its core, connecting Abuja and Lagos and subsequently extending to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other strategic cities across Nigeria and beyond.

“The airline will be operated by Xejet, a 100 per cent Nigerian-owned aviation company renowned for its expertise, safety record, and operational excellence.

“With a strong foundation of innovation and sustainability, we are ready to redefine air travel, instill pride, and elevate Enugu’s prominence on the national and global stage.

“Let the countdown begin—Enugu Air is ready for takeoff,” Ozor said.

Held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, the seminar was part of a government-led initiative to confront the disturbing rate at which children and adolescents in the state are being exposed to gambling activities, often via mobile apps, social media platforms, and unregulated betting shops.

In his presentation titled “Your Future First: Understanding and Escaping the Dangers of Underage Gambling,” Agada addressed an auditorium filled with secondary school students, educators, and child protection advocates.

He explained that while gambling is legal in Nigeria for individuals aged 18 and above, it becomes illegal—and deeply harmful—when minors are involved.

“Gambling is not just about money; it’s about your mind, your time, and your future,” Agada said. “For children, it isn’t entertainment—it’s a trap that leads to emotional stress, poor academic performance, and in some cases, crime and addiction.”

Using simple language and interactive tools, Agada walked students through the different forms of gambling, the difference between regulated and unregulated platforms, and the dangers of being lured by the promise of “easy money.”

He advised those already exposed to gambling to speak up and seek help through parents, teachers, or counselors.

The talk also spotlighted the active role being played by the Enugu State Gaming Commission in combating the problem. Agada highlighted regulatory measures such as mandatory age verification (KYC) by licensed operators, targeted enforcement against illegal gambling operators, and public awareness campaigns across schools and communities.

“We’re working closely with operators, security agencies, and schools to ensure that children are not targeted or harmed by the gaming industry,” he added.

Reacting to the presentation, Mrs. Ngozi Eni, commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, described it as “a wake-up call for parents, teachers, and the entire society.”

“It’s not just about punishing those who allow children to gamble,” she said. “It’s about educating our children, empowering our communities, and enforcing the law without compromise.”

As Nigeria’s gaming industry continues to grow, stakeholders at the event agreed that more targeted initiatives are needed to protect the nation’s youth and ensure that legal gambling remains an adult-only activity.

Techeconomy gathered that the Digital Industrial Park will be repurposed as an Academic and Innovation Hub, Outsourcing Facility, and Digital Training Centre.

The State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah disclosed these when he welcomed Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, at the Government House, Enugu.

Earlier, the Minister commended the fast transitioning of Enugu State into a digital economy, saying the state was fast becoming a standard for tech-driven societies under Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership.

This was even as Governor Mbah restated the preparedness of his administration to partner the federal government on a number of projects and initiatives to consolidate the gains of the past 22 months.

The Minister said:

“Enugu is fast becoming a benchmark for how subnational governments can take bold steps to build thriving, inclusive, and tech-driven societies.

“Governor Mbah’s broader achievements in infrastructure, education,  and economic reforms are commendable. Perhaps, most exciting for us at the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is his intentional focus on building a digital economy.

“A strong example of this is the Smart Green Schools, recently inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alongside the waiving of Right of Way fees for fibre networks. These initiatives clearly demonstrate the governor’s commitment to equipping young people with the tools and spaces they need to thrive in the digital economy – and are a reflection of his bold vision to transform Enugu into a $30bn economy in eight years,” Dr. Tijani stated.

He said the FG was, therefore, very eager to collaborate with the state on various initiatives to grow the digital economy.

“First, through the Project 774 Connectivity, we will provide internet connectivity in all 17 local government secretariats in Enugu State powered by Galaxy Backbone (GBB) and Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT).

“Galaxy Backbone will partner with the state to establish a Digital Innovation Complex in Enugu, which will integrate a  Tier Three  III Data Centre; a co-working space for entrepreneurs, Small and Medium Enterprises, and tech startups; an Incubation hub, offering mentorship, funding access, and acceleration support and a training centre for digital skills and workforce development,” he stated.

The Minister said the Galaxy Backbone would provide internet connectivity to over 200 state-owed institutions, including Smart Green Schools, Primary Health Centres, the State Secretariat, and Government House.

He added that the Ministry would, through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), partner with the state to invest in infrastructure support such as connection of presently unconnected rural areas.

He announced that FG would establish an Artificial Intelligence Regional Centre for the South East at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, while the Ministry would launch the already established South East Zonal Office of the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) in Enugu in the next two months as well as plans to train 100 persons in the state on in-demand skills for cybersecurity and infrastructure defence.

“Finally, we are committing to train 1,555,000 residents of Enugu State in essential digital skills through NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All initiative before 2027,” Tijani concluded.

Speaking, Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to harnessing the full potentials of the digital economy towards the goal of diversifying revenue streams and growing Enugu into a $30bn economy.

Besides the Smart Green Schools aimed at imbuing pupils with knowledge and skills that sufficiently prepare them for the dynamic workplace of tomorrow, Mbah said the state had fully transitioned to an e-governance platform, a centralised portal that has improved efficiency and transparency, ensured workflow automation and inter-MDA integration.

“Our embrace of innovation is equally evident in our Command and Control Centre, where we have deployed the tools of technology to secure our streets and neighbourhoods through a round-the-clock surveillance system.

“We are in the process of integrating the Command and Control Centre with the NCC Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) to operationalise the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

This allows real-time emergency coordination via the national 112 emergency number, strengthening public safety and inter-agency communication.”

He added that the state was also in the final stages of signing a 25-year facility lease with NCC for the Digital Bridge Institute and Digital Industrial Park, repurposed as an Academic and Innovation Hub, Outsourcing Facility, and Digital Training Centre.

The discussions focused on deepening digital connectivity, enhancing public service delivery, and driving smart initiatives to support Enugu State’s digital transformation agenda.

Both parties emphasized the role of technology and digital services in improving governance, fostering economic development, and empowering communities.

Galaxy Backbone highlighted that it has established transversal and metro fibre infrastructure across the state, providing a robust platform to enhance the digital experience for both government institutions and businesses, driving efficiency and supporting digital inclusion.

Galaxy Backbone reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Enugu State Government to implement cutting-edge digital solutions, including cloud services, unified communications, and cybersecurity frameworks that would drive the state’s digital economy.

This engagement underscores Galaxy Backbone’s mission of deploying digital infrastructure that accelerates development and transforms public service delivery across Nigeria.

Entitled the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (Establishment and Consolidation of Revenue Administration) Law, 2025, the new legislation also makes the revenue collection agency autonomous and free of bureaucratic encumbrances.

Speaking at the short bill signing ceremony at Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, Mbah described the law as a milestone in his administration’s quest to enable the Ease of Doing business and make the state the premier destination for investment.

“I recall several times that I have engaged the business community, the organised private sector, and the market women. They have always complained about multiple taxation. People coming from everywhere with different types of government receipts to ask them to pay tax. That will end from today.

“With the signing of this bill into law, we now have one revenue collection point, whether for the market women, the organised private sector, and the different agencies of government. You would have one clear point where to pay your tax and you will be issued with the appropriate receipt of payment. That means you no longer have any other person coming for the collection of tax.

“It is very important because one of the core indicators of the Ease of Doing Business is to make sure that you have the ease of payment of your taxes and you do not have multiple channels where you are being dragged to pay taxes.”

According to the governor, the new law would effectively consolidate the revenues of the state and local governments, with each tier of government getting what is due to it at the end of the day such as is obtainable in land charges and Value Added Tax, VAT.

“The idea is that you have one point of collection, but the split is also done to the different tiers of government that this revenue is essentially due to.

“It is also important that we make this point very clear that this idea of the State Internal Revenue Service collecting on behalf of the other tiers of government is nothing new. As some of you already know, the Land Use Charge is paid to the local government, but collected by the state. So, what we are doing now is essentially consolidate all the other revenue types to ensure that there is one point of collection. So, this is a major milestone and it would also help us have a full line of sight to all the revenues we have in the state,” he stated.

He further explained that the Enugu State Inland Revenue Service would henceforth become autonomous.

“The Enugu State Inland Revenue Service is now able to act as an autonomous institution of the state government. It also means that they can now set targets and try to meet those targets the same way you run a business. It means that they now have the powers to hire and fire their employees. So, we are increasingly making the Revenue Service a professional body,” he added.

Mbah took the opportunity to explain that contrary to some misinformation, the massive rise in the state’s IGR was inspired by widening the tax net, plugging revenue leakages, and deployment of technology, rather than increasing tax rate.

“Let me be clear, we have not increased any tax in Enugu State. What we have essentially done and which is impacting our revenue growth is expansion of the tax net. We have also made sure that monies that were collected in cash before now are now adequately captured and paid into the state coffers,” Mbah said.

He commended the Enugu State House of Assembly for their support every step of the way, noting with gratitude the expeditiousness with which they treat executive bills.

Earlier in his remark, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uchenna Ugwu, described the bill as a turning point in revenue collection in the state.

“One, it is going to improve the Ease of Doing Business. It is also going to improve the IGR of the state and also block all the loopholes in revenue collection and administration. It is a very good gift to the people of Enugu State,” he said.

This agreement, finalised at the Government House in Enugu, aims to address the city’s water distribution challenges.

Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger, was present during the signing. He reiterated the goal to implement the Sustainable Last Mile Connectivity and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project. 

The agreement seeks to enhance service delivery, expand water access to underserved areas, and ensure equitable distribution of clean water to residents of Enugu City.

Governor Peter Mbah described the agreement as a turning point for water infrastructure in the state, noting that it stresses the growing support for Enugu as a prime investment destination. “We now have an investment of $100 million to deal decisively with the last mile connection, the downstream part of our water system.

“This huge sum shows that the economic reforms of the Federal Government and our effort to position Enugu as the premier destination for investment are yielding results because this is a major FDI, not just for us as a state, but even as a country,” he stated.

Governor Mbah noted the progress made in water production, which has increased from a sporadic 2 million litres to 120 million litres per day. However, he noted that the primary challenge remains the expansion of the pipeline network to connect more households. 

The newly secured funding is expected to address this bottleneck by focusing on last-mile connectivity and the procurement of advanced metering systems.

“For the record, this is not a case where we are just signing an agreement that is exploratory. This is an agreement we signed today for the funds to begin to flow. This is a discussion that started eight months ago.

“From signing an MoU to Terms Sheet, to getting a Concession Agreement, today we are signing the final agreement and we expect that the investment funds will start to flow immediately, as they should have started with the connectivity to the last mile, and the procurement of the metres will commence,” Mbah assured.

Ambassador Schlesinger commended Governor Mbah for promoting international partnerships and prioritising sustainable development. “I wish to laud His Excellency Dr Peter Mbah for his vision to transform the water management systems for Enugu City, with its ultimate goal of ensuring equitable access to clean water.

“Governor Mbah is a great friend of Austria. He has visited Vienna twice, where he met with ministers, international organisations and the business community; and he is a very active supporter of Austrian companies in Enugu.

“This investment, therefore, is a testimony of his excellent work and his vision for Enugu State,” he said.

He also lauded the leadership of Dr Ugochukwu Ugbor, Chairman of Wande Nexus, who has extensive experience in addressing sustainability and infrastructure challenges globally. Schlesinger asserted the project’s success, given the combination of visionary governance and skilled project leadership.

Dr Ugbor, representing Wande Nexus, spoke on the favourable investment climate under Governor Mbah’s administration as a key factor in securing the partnership. 

He pledged the company’s focus on delivering on its objectives, which include creating 500 direct jobs, developing local expertise in modern water management, and improving public health and economic opportunities in the state.

The state government’s plans also include increasing daily water production to 200 million litres by 2025, supported by budgetary allocations to enhance upstream water systems. 

With the infusion of FDI and local investment, Enugu aims to build a sustainable and efficient water distribution network, positioning itself as a model for infrastructure development in Nigeria.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, stated this while receiving the Regional Vice President Africa and Middle East of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the five International Airport for concession included Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Port Harcourt International Airport, Aminu Kano International Airport, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Mr Keyamo thanked the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for indicating interest in offering the advisory role to Nigeria at a crucial time when the concessions were about to take off.

The Minister said the level of infrastructure decay within the aviation industry called for urgent action. He said  the federal government  remained the aviation hub for Africa and the world at large going by the geographical location.

Kamil Awdhi, Regional Vice President of Africa and Middle East-International Air Transport Association stated that the essence of the visit was to make their interest known and to offer an advisory role to Nigeria in the concession process.

Awdhi stated that Nigeria was a big market that every investor could want to work with and promised that IATA as an Advisor had no financial cost to Nigeria.

According to report, Nigeria has 32 airports, 26 of which are operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and five of which are functional international airports.

It also has a state-owned  located in Akwa Ibom State. In addition, there are airstrips or airfields scattered around the country, built mainly by the Nigerian Air Force and multinational oil companies. Nigeria has only one private-public partnership airport, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd – Murtala Muhammed Airport Two

This, according to him, is to move the State and country forward, urging them to see themselves as leaders, who have significant roles to play in the development of the state.

The governor gave the advice at weekend during the 2024 Enugu Leadership and Business Summit, organised by Enugu Innovative Youths (EIY).

Speaking at the summit themed, “The Role of Youths in Building A New Enugu”, the governor emphasized on the importance of youths embracing new knowledge in all its forms and seeking mentorship from those who had walked the path before them. He urged them not to underestimate the power of collaboration and creativity in achieving their dreams.

Addressing the youths at the summit held at University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Governor Mbah extolled the energy the youths brought to the submit, saying that the gathering showed the incredible power that lay within the youths to reshape the state.

The governor, represented by Professor Chidiebere Onyia, the secretary to the State Government, added that the theme resonated deeply with their collective aspirations, disclosing that the administration was deliberate in setting aside leadership positions for youths in the government.

According to him, because of the pivotal role youths play in reshaping the destiny of Enugu State, whether through entrepreneurship or advocacy, and public service, the administration had continued in its commitment to equipping them with modern digital trainings and skills that would enhance their capacity.

He enjoined them to embrace leadership which, he said, was not title or position, but something that “begins with self-awareness and a commitment to integrity, empathy, and ethical conduct.”

He added that leadership was defined by the courage to take initiative, the resilience to navigate challenges, and the compassion to impact meaningfully in the lives of others.

“True leaders inspire trust, empower others and champion inclusivity.

“Remember to uplift those around you when ascending the ladder of success.

“This is because true greatness is not measured by personal accolades you receive, but by the positive impact you have on others.

“Your contribution matters and you have power to make a difference. The time to lead is now and the world is waiting for you,” Mbah concluded.

Chimaobi Atu, member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, in a lecture titled “A Limitless Potentials of Enugu Youth”, urged the youth to embrace innovation and acquire digital skills and networking.

Also speaking, Nnolim Nnaji, the member representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency, while delivering lecture on “Youths And Drug Abuse”, warned that drug abuse posed socio-economic effect and endangered the future of youths.

He advised them to shun any form of drug abuse in order to build the desired  society that they would happily bequeath to the next generation.

Earlier, Chimaobi Aninwene, the director of EIY, said the summit was aimed at  mobilizing the them on the need to be part of the happenings in Enugu and the country.

He said,

“Before this time, many youths thought that to be a youth is just about a particular age. Youth need to understand who they are to value themselves.

“We want to be part of innovation and creativity going on in the state as well as partnering with Mbah because of his developmental strides within one year in office,” he said.

He commended the Mbah administration for the growth and development the state had witnessed within a short period of time, expressing optimism that Enugu would achieve the goals it had set out for.

The highlights of the event include the presentation of N100,000 each to three youths for their education and presenting the governor with the Best Innovation Award of the year.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has embarked on a mission of enhancing digital literacy, bridging digital-divide and ensuring equitable access to technology for all Nigerians.

Mr Kashifu Abdulahi, the Director-General of NITDA, gave the assurance on Thursday in Enugu during a Stakeholders Engagement and Eco-System Development Programme with the themed: “Creating Opportunities, Breaking Boundaries toward Digitalisation and Entrepreneurial Evolution”.

Mr Kashifu Abdulahi, represented by Dr Babajide Ajayi, noted that in the quest for digitalisation, inclusivity must be our guiding principle, adding that the true measure of digital success lies in the progress achieved by all.

He reiterate, that the mandate of the Agency is to bridging the digital-divide, enhancing digital literacy, and ensuring equitable access to technology

“NITDA is currently drafting the National Digital Equality Strategy for Women (NDESW), which seeks to ensure equitable access and opportunities in the digital environment, empowering women to fully participate in the digital economy.

“Also, the National Digital Skills Strategy (NDSS) is a strategic road-map that will aid digital literacy and talent development in Nigeria,” he said.

He explained that digitalization changes the way we do business and live. In addition, he said that the agency is open for partnership to bring this vision to fruition

“Therefore, the objectives of the program are to: Offer our stakeholders in the State ICT eco-system the opportunity to express their views and opinions on matters related to the Agency’s implementation of its mandate.

“Provide an avenue for sensitization, familiarization and enhancement of the working relationship between the Agency and the key IT Stakeholders at the state level.

“Establish a sustainable model of collaborations and consistent channels for feedback and the exchange of ideas,” he said.

In a keynote address, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Mrs Adaora Chukwu, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, said that the current administration had a vision to position Enugu State among the top three states in Nigeria, not just in terms of Trade, Investment, and Industry, but as a digital powerhouse that NITDA mission aligns seamlessly with the state’s vision, adding that NITDA expertise to foster a digital Nigeria makes the Agency an invaluable partner to the state.

Dr Micheal Edeh, chairman of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Enugu State Chapter, appreciated NITDA for the engagement of the technology stakeholders, answering critical questions on policies as well as forging connectivity among stakeholders and NITDA officials.