Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, Tuesday, flagged off the construction of 141 urban roads across 13 zones of the state capital, insisting residents of the city and Enugu State deserved nothing but the best.

The beneficiary zones are Abakpa, Achara Layout, Asata, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, Independence Loyout, New Haven, Old GRA, Thinkers Corner, Trans-Ekulu, and Uwani.

Performing the symbolic flag-off at Ologo under Coal Camp Zone Enugu North LGA and Monaque Avenue in Awkunanaw Zone, Enugu South LGA, Mbah explained that the roads were part of his administration’s vision to eradicate poverty, grow Enugu State’s economy to $30bn and make the state a premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and for living.

“For me, this is not about putting a black pavement on our roads. What I see is empowering our women and making sure that we create a platform for them to generate wealth. Do not forget that our commitment is to eradicate poverty, and we know that we cannot just wish the eradication of poverty into existence. We need to do the necessary things required by government to ensure that we have zero hunger. We know what critical infrastructure like roads do for our communities.

“We know that it will ensure that those that are doing business have more patronage, and even those living here will no longer have to spend so much on transportation because the cost of transportation will reduce. If a Keke (commercial tricycle) man that is supposed to carry you knows he will drive on a good road, he will charge you less. What that does is that it provides you more disposable income and thereby chasing poverty away from our community,” he stated.

The governor explained that the 141 roads had been organised into 17 lots to ensure completion in the next three months, assuring that funds had been provided, while due diligence was done on the contractors to ensure that the jobs were awarded to capable hands only.

Meanwhile, a resident of Ologo, Chief Chris Okaka and President-General of Amechi-Uwani, Chief Ifeanyi Nnaji, hailed Mbah for remembering Ologo and Monaque Avenue neighbourhoods after over forty years of neglect by successive governments.

“For the past forty years, nobody has done this road. We went house to house to collect money to do one other side of the drainage. After doing one side, we could not do the other because everyone was complaining of hardship.

“But I told them that Peter Mbah was coming and he would do it. Your Excellency, today you are here to do the road. We have said that by 2027, any other poster we see here, we will tear it off. You are going for your second term.”

Likewise, the Council Chairman of Enugu North, Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, and his Enugu South counterpart, Hon. Caleb Ani, said the governor’s ward-based development had made things easier for the 17 local government councils.

“Therefore, we will hold down the grassroots politics for you by following your example in prioritising everything that affects the people. At the right time, the people of Enugu State will reward you with more support,” Ono stated.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, promised intensive supervision in addition to all necessary steps taken during project preparation to ensure the delivery of quality jobs.

The contractors, on their part, also assured the governor of quality and timely project delivery, having passed the stringent procurement processes and conditions set by his administration.

The flag-off in Pictures

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Enugu – Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah of Enugu State has been commended for signing into law the bill establishing a one-stop shop for tax collection and administration in the state.

The Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd, Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi, made this known on Saturday during a media chat with newsmen on the importance of the new law signed by the governor to the state and its residents.

He lauded the new legislation, describing it as a transformative step towards enhancing the business environment and economic growth of Enugu State.

“This is a commendable initiative by Governor Mbah. With the consolidation of our state’s revenue collection process into one autonomous body, the Enugu State Inland Revenue Service, Enugu State will not only have eliminated the burden of multiple taxation but will also foster a more conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.”

He emphasized the significance of the new law in improving the Ease of Doing Business in the state. “For years, business owners, market women, and investors have struggled with the complexities and frustrations of dealing with numerous tax collectors. With this new law, all of that confusion ends. It brings transparency and simplicity, which are critical for attracting new investments,” he explained.

Architect Onyekachi highlighted that an autonomous revenue service would allow for greater efficiency and accountability. “Having the Enugu State Inland Revenue Service operate independently means they can set realistic targets and operate with the professionalism of a private enterprise. This autonomy is key to maximizing our internal revenue generation without imposing additional tax burdens on the citizens.”

He urged the people of Enugu State to applaud and support this progressive move by the governor, adding that it will be more beneficial to them in the near future. “We should all be proud of this achievement. It’s a bold step that reflects the administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment. With streamlined tax collection, we can expect to see an increase in the state’s internally generated revenue, which translates to more funds for development projects that benefit everyone.”

Onyekachi also expressed optimism that the law would inspire other states in Nigeria to adopt similar measures. “Governor Mbah’s leadership in this area sets a precedent. It’s a model that other states can look to, as it balances government revenue needs with the realities of business operations. Enugu is truly setting the pace.”

However, the signing of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (Establishment and Consolidation of Revenue Administration) Law, 2025, has been widely received as a landmark achievement in the state’s economic reforms, signaling a new era of streamlined governance and economic prosperity.

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…Assembly Promises Early Passage

By Our Correspondent

Enugu – Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has proposed a record N971bn budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year to the Enugu State House of Assembly.

Presenting the estimates entitled “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity” at the floor of the House on Tuesday, Mbah said the proposed estimates comprised N837.9bn Capital Expenditure, representing 86 per cent of the budget estimates, and a Recurrent Expenditure component of N133.1bn, representing only14 per cent of the budget.

This topples the record-holding 2024 budget of N521.5bn, consisting of N414.3bn Capital Expenditure, representing 79 per cent of the total budget and N107.2bn Recurrent Expenditure, representing about 21 per cent.

However, like the 2024 budget, the 2025 budget proposal emphasizes huge investment in education as well as basic but critical infrastructure and amenities like roads and bridges, water supply, transport services, energy, modernization and digitization of public services and associated processes, with the Education sector getting a lion-share of N320.6bn, representing over 33 per cent of the total budget for two consecutive years.

Mbah said that this was in line with his administration target of poverty eradication and an inclusive development model, which ensures that no one or segment of the society is left behind.

The governor equally announced a growth in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, from N37.4bn at the end of 2023 to N144.7bn in September 2024, representing a radical 286.2 per cent increase in line with the administration’s deliberate effort to wean the state off reliance on FAAC allocations.

Addressing the House, Mbah said, “In crafting this budget, we have sort to continue to lay the right foundation in Enugu to enhance the economy and attract even more private investment.

“In spite of the dreary economic environment across the country, for us here in Enugu, we have elected to remain bullish in our aspirations, and to double down on our commitment to elevate our state to top three status in terms of GDP nationally, and eradicate poverty from our midst.

“Indeed, we see this as a vindication of our previously espoused view that sustainable national growth can really only be driven from the sub-national units to the federal levels, and not the other way round as we have attempted to do to date.

“It is on account of this that we are proposing to the House of Assembly today, a budget with a total envelope of N971,084,000,000.00 as against the budget for 2024 fiscal year which totaled N521,561,386,000.00.

“This represents an 86.4 per cent increase from the 2024 revised budget.

“The budget is broken down as follows: N133,140,000,000.00 as Recurrent Expenditure and N837,944,000,000.00 as Capital Expenditure,” he said.

On sources of revenue, he said, “In the area of our revenues, we estimated that total Recurrent revenues during 2025 will amount to N692,179,000,000 as against the approved revised provision for 2024 of N383,789,000,000.00.

“The Recurrent revenues for 2025 are broken down as follows: opening balance – N32,000,000,000; Internally Generated Revenue, IGR – N509,947,000,000; statutory revenue – N48,749,000,000; exchange rate differential – N26,559,000,000; and Value Added Tax, VAT – N74,924,000,000.

“With the total Recurrent Expenditure at N133,140,000,000.00, this translates to a Net Recurrent Revenue of N559,039,000,000.00, which is thus transferred to the Capital Development Fund.

“The total Capital Expenditure for the year 2025 is projected at N837,944,000,000.00 as against N414,334,120,000.00 for the 2024 Revised Budget. The Current Capital Expenditure estimate will be funded from the sum of N559,039,000,000.00 to be transferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and the Capital receipts of N278,905,000,000.00 to be realized as follows: External and Internal Aids and Grants – N15,000,000,000; other receipts – N80,202,000,000; Domestic Loans/Borrowings receipts – N55,000,000,000; and International Loans/Borrowings – N128,503,000,000.”

Meanwhile, in terms of broad sectors, the Economic Sector got a lion share of N462bn, representing 55.1 per cent of the Capital Expenditure, followed by the Social Sector with N345.7bn, representing 41.2 per cent.

In terms of specific sectors, Education got 33.2 per cent, the largest chunk, in sync with Mbah’s effort to eradicate poverty and graduate the state to a knowledge-based economy.

“As we must all know by now, Education is both our ‘sword’ and ‘shield’ in this battle to achieve economic growth in our state and banish poverty and want among our population. Consequently, we are maintaining the ambitious direction we charted in 2024 by voting a total of N320,609,059,000,00 for that sector. This represents 78% of the social sector of the budget and 33.2% of our Capital Expenditure this year,” he stated.

The governor explained that the 2025 budget would also focus greatly on health, road infrastructure, transport, agriculture, and water sectors, among others.

“There can be no economic growth without quality healthcare. This is why we are spending N45,830,896,000.00 on the sector this year.

“In the area of Works and Infrastructure, we will continue our relentless advance towards our target to build or refurbish all key roads across the state by 2031. In line with this, we will spend a total of N213,120,267,000.00 in 2025.

“Food inflation is a major component of core inflation in Nigeria. Consequently, food production is critical to moderation of the currently high levels of inflation in the Country. As a result, we will be spending up to N82,300,761,000.00 in the agricultural and agro-industrialisation sector this year.

In the area of Transport, we will be spending a total of N41,132,463,000.00 to expand Enugu Air with the acquisition of 4 additional aircraft. In addition, we will be consummating the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam international airport as well as the construction of an international cargo terminal. We will also be floating a new taxi scheme in collaboration with the private sector to modernize urban and inter-urban transportation for Ndi Enugu.

2024 Budget Performance

Giving a breakdown of the state’s IGR and overall performance of the 2024 budget, the governor noted a remarkable increase in the state’s IGR since the inception of this administration, explaining that while the state’s IGR stood at N26.8bn in 2022, the administration it by 39 per cent to N37.4bn at the end of 2023.

However, as at September 2024, the state’s IGR had drastically increased to ₦144.7bn, representing a 286.2 per cent increase, expressing confidence that ti would surpass 200billion by the end of the year.

“In terms of budgetary performance, the total revenue realised in the state as at October 2024 came to N459,851,309,396.47, which comes to a budget performance of 88%. Of this amount, N178,354,494,502.47 related to Statutory Receipts, while N136,700,000,000.00 related to Capital Receipts and N144,796,814,894.00 to Internally Generated Revenue.

“As at October, these inflows had been applied to Expenditure with N382,427,929,564.00 as Capital Expenditure and N76,546,090,116.18 as Recurrent Expenditure. These translated to a budget performance of 88%. Additional revenues and Expenditure are still expected before the end of the year, with IGR envisaged to surpass the N200 billion mark.

“While we may make bold to say that our progress in this past year is commendable given the odds that were arraigned against the state economy, we are not yet ready to rest on our oars,” Mbah said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, has promised early passage of the budget by the House to sustain the governor’s development strides.

“He exhibited his leadership mantra, tomorrow is here.

“Because you have demonstrated enormous capacity; because you have exhibited enormous potential of the very fabric of our state’s economy, I want to assure you that the House of Assembly shall expeditiously consider this and give you the legal framework to continue flying high,” Hon. Ugwu stated.

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Enugu – The Governor of Enugu State, Barr Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah has flagged off the construction of a 300-bed international hospital in the state.

Flagging off the project on Monday, the Governor while performing the groundbreaking ceremony said the the project once again cements the Government’s believe in good health and well-being of the people.

Gov Mbah noted that when completed, the Hospital would have multi-specialty healthcare facility that’s set to become Africa’s leading destination for medical tourism.

“Today, we flagged off the Enugu International Hospital project – a 300-bed, multi-specialty healthcare facility that’s set to become Africa’s leading destination for medical tourism. This hospital, to be equipped with cutting-edge technology and an array of specialised services, will offer everything from cardiology, oncology, and ICU care to rehabilitation and medical engineering.

“It is a commitment to bring to an end, the need of seeking medical care overseas by our people. The facility will also serve as a training and research centre for students from our state’s major tertiary institutions, building a future of skilled healthcare professionals.

“We’re actively engaging our sons and daughters in the diaspora, inviting them to bring their expertise back to Enugu. We’re giving them our word that Enugu is open and ready for business. We have derisked investment, offering incentives to make sure their returns are guaranteed.

“Today’s groundbreaking reaffirms our dedication to improving healthcare at all levels – from primary centers and cottage hospitals to secondary facilities and tertiary institutions such as our state-owned ESUTH and SUMASTH.

“With this world-class hospital, we are fulfilling our promise of bringing advanced healthcare home. A healthier, self-sustaining Enugu State where quality healthcare is accessible to all remains our vision,” the Governor said.

The 300-bed Enugu International Hospital will on completion become a regional hub of medical tourism, offering highly advanced and specialized medical care and services.

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Enugu – The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah has congratulated the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, for emerging winners of the 042 Coal City Debate competition organised by the State Government in collaboration with Zenith Bank.

The Governor in a message to the participating students shortly after the competition on Friday, said the debate tagged “Debate Cool _it” was designed to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and leadership among young people in the state.

While congratulating ESUT and all the participating schools, the Governor said the government will extend the spirit of intellectual challenge and growth from universities down to Smart Green Schools, helping to build resilient, globally competitive youths in our state.

ESUT emerged winners of the competition and were rewarded with ₦15, 000, 000 cash prize; Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, came second and got ₦5, 000 000 cash reward while the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, came 3rd.

“After 12 weeks of intense competition, yesterday I presented cash prizes to the talented debaters of the 042 Coal City Debate. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia presented the prizes on my behalf.

“Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) emerged as the grand winner, receiving N15 million, with N5 million awarded to the runner-up, the Institute of Management and Technology (INT), Enugu, while the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus came third.

“Congratulations to all the participants for their remarkable dedication. May they carry forward the lessons learned from this exercise and serve as exemplary models for others. We’ll continue investing in these young leaders who are the foundation of the society we envision for Enugu and Nigeria.

“This debate, tagged “Debate Cool-it,” was designed to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and leadership among our young people. Our administration is committed to building a culture of innovation, and this tournament is only the beginning. We aim to extend this spirit of intellectual challenge and growth from universities down to our Smart Green Schools, helping to build resilient, globally competitive youths in our state.

“The students addressed pressing issues such as climate change, governance, human rights, gender inequality, femimism, abortion, cybercrime and cybersecurity, and more. They learned to engage in respectful, constructive dialogue on complex societal topics. The participants have set a high standard, and their performances reaffirmed my belief in Enugu’s bright future,” the Governor said in statement on his social media handles

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By Sebastine Okafor, Enugu

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has been commended for his visionary approach to revitalizing the state’s agricultural sector.

The Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Aloysius Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie, made this commendation on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Nwabueze Ubru, along with agricultural consultants from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA.

Prof. Okolie highlighted that Governor Mbah’s agricultural vision is crucial for fostering economic growth and ensuring food sufficiency in Enugu State. He emphasized that ESUT, as a university of technology, is ready to align with the governor’s agricultural initiatives. “We have a robust team of experts in agriculture, and we are fully prepared to support the governor’s plan for the sector,” Prof. Okolie said. He also expressed the university’s eagerness to collaborate with Texas A&M University-Kingsville, particularly in staff and student training programs focused on agricultural advancements.

Mr. Nwabueze Ubru, Commissioner for Agriculture, applauded the efforts of ESUT in complementing the state government’s agricultural vision. He praised Governor Mbah’s leadership, which has laid the groundwork for turning agriculture into a significant pillar of the state’s economy. “Governor Mbah has set out clear goals to make Enugu State an agricultural hub, and partnerships with institutions like ESUT will be key to achieving this,” Ubru stated. He further assured the university of the state’s readiness to provide the necessary resources for agricultural development, including establishing a ranch within the university’s premises.

The commissioner also emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and international institutions to drive sustainable agricultural development. “We are here to build partnerships that will not only benefit Enugu State but also elevate ESUT as a center of agricultural excellence,” he added. Ubru reiterated the government’s commitment to completing the fencing of the university by November to secure its agricultural ventures.

Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, the State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES), also praised Governor Mbah for his relentless pursuit of agricultural reforms. She noted that the governor’s focus on livestock production is a strategic move to boost food security and create employment opportunities. “The governor’s vision for livestock farming is not just about increasing production but also ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the agricultural sector in Enugu State,” Nnajieze said.

She further emphasized the critical role that ESUT can play in advancing livestock productivity through research and innovation. “With the expertise and facilities at ESUT, we can pioneer groundbreaking solutions that will enhance the productivity and resilience of the livestock sector,” she added. Dr. Nnajieze called for continued collaboration between the university, the state government, and international partners to ensure the success of the livestock productivity projects in the state.

Prof. AO Anoruo, representing Texas A&M University-Kingsville, reiterated the importance of building strong partnerships. He stressed that agricultural training programs must be sustained locally to ensure their long-term success. “This partnership offers a unique opportunity for ESUT students and staff to receive specialized training, both locally and abroad, in areas like ranch management. Texas A&M is the only university in the U.S. that offers this particular program, and we are excited to explore this collaboration further,” Prof. Anoruo stated.

The Managing Director of El Capricio Ag Consulting, USA, Professor Alphonsus Ortega, expressed his company’s readiness to contribute to the successful implementation of the agricultural projects. “We are committed to ensuring the full realization of these projects. Agriculture, when done right, has the power to transform entire communities. Our goal is to bring world-class agricultural practices to Enugu State, which will not only create jobs but also inspire a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs,” Prof. Ortega said.

He emphasized that proper training and knowledge transfer are key to the success of the partnership. “Our objective is to bring practical, hands-on training to ESUT. This will give students and local farmers the skills they need to excel in modern agriculture,” he added. Professor Ortega also remarked on the importance of ranching as a sustainable solution to food security, stating, “The ranching initiative we are supporting will have a ripple effect, providing meat and dairy products that will reduce the state’s dependence on external suppliers.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Emeka Nzeh, also affirmed the university’s dedication to supporting the governor’s vision. “We are determined to ensure that this initiative not only benefits the state but also positions ESUT as a leader in agricultural innovation,” Prof. Nzeh stated. He further noted that the faculty is already making preparations to implement training programs in ranch management, crop production, and livestock farming.

“We are confident that the collaboration with Texas A&M will bring lasting benefits to our students and the broader community,” Prof. Nzeh added. “Our faculty is known for producing top-tier agricultural professionals, and with this partnership, we will elevate our capabilities even further.”

Among those present at the meeting were the Registrar of ESUT, Mr. Ambrose Ugwu, The University’s Bursar and Librarian, Dr. Augustine Ikechukwu Ojeh and Dr Mrs Jacinta Ezeh, the Director of ESUT Consult, Prof. Okey Orji amongst others.

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The Enugu State Government has awarded contract for the dualisation of Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka 43.1km Road.

This cheering news was disclosed by the Executive Governor of the, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah on Monday.

Dr Mbah who stated this while commissioning four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike said that work in the road will commence soon.

“Very soon, we will commence the dualisation of Penocks Junction on the Enugu-Onitsha Road, extending all the way to Opi-Nsukka. The contract has been awarded, and work will commence shortly.

“Our commitment to transforming Enugu State is unwavering, with many more roads and projects underway to enhance the lives of our people. Tomorrow Is Here!” he said.

It could be recalled that the Enugu State Government recently approved the sum of N183bn for the construction of 141 roads across Enugu metropolis and 20 rural roads across the three senatorial zones of the state.

The government also approved the award of 133 more smart schools in addition to the ongoing 127 smart schools to bring them to 260 or one smart school per political ward.

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