By Prince Nnah Marcel.
Governor Peter Mbah’s disruptive development vision is anchored on the belief that Enugu State must grow beyond its historical strengths and aggressively position itself as a preferred destination for business, investment, tourism and for living. This commitment was evident from his first day in office when he signed Executive Order 005, mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to publish service level agreements detailing costs, processes, and timeframe for service delivery.
This landmark reform has entrenched predictability, transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service delivery, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously hindered business operations. His two years’ transformative journey can be chronicled through tangible and consequential projects impacting on both citizens and businesses.
LAND REGISTRY
Recognizing that land is a key asset for business activities, Governor Mbah established Enugu Geographical Information Services, ENGIS, which has digitized over 80 percent of land titles in a digital land archive that make it faster, more transparent, and investor-friendly. The result is a streamlined system that significantly reduces the time and cost required to obtain property titles, thereby encouraging commercial and industrial development.
INTERNAL REVENUE GENERATION
His administration introduced a more predictable and business-friendly unified tax regime. The state’s Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) implemented measures to simplify tax payments and eliminate arbitrary levies. The adoption of the Consolidated Demand Notice regime and an electronic tax filing and payment system, ensures greater compliance while reducing the burden on businesses, making Enugu more attractive for investors.
This automation blocked the loopholes in revenue collection and the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) surged to ₦35.9 billion in the first seven months of 2024, surpassing the total for 2023. By September 2024, IGR had risen to ₦144.7 billion, marking a 286% increase.
POWER
Aware that power is a major tool for business growth and welfare of citizens, Dr. Mbah signed the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023 which enabled the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to commence full operation. He strengthened the regulatory framework that created an enabling environment for service providers, developers, investors, stakeholders, and customers to participate as licensees, off-takers, or players in the electricity sector. Consequently, industrial clusters and manufacturing zones are now benefiting from improved electricity access, ensuring uninterrupted operations for businesses in critical sectors.
SECURITY
Mbah was intentional about making Enugu the most secured state in the south east and a hub of tourism. Consequently, he built an AI-enabled surveillance centre, one of the best Command and Control Centers in Africa aimed at enhancing surveillance, coordination, and response across the state. Central to the project are Mega Control and Data Centres that enable real-time monitoring, data analysis, and strategic oversight of security operations. Thousands of high-definition CCTV cameras, equipped with facial recognition, 150 Rapid Response vehicles and vehicle identification capabilities, have been installed in key locations to bolster surveillance efforts.
EDUCATION
Dr. Mbah embarked on a very ambitious transformative educational initiative with the building of 260 technologically driven Smart School across all electoral wards. This ambitious endeavor is part of a broader strategy to elevate the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031, with education as a catalyst for economic growth.
Equipped with interactive digital whiteboards, internet connectivity, robotics and artificial intelligence centers, modern ICT facilities, science laboratories, creative production studios, and 700 Android tablets, each Smart School is designed to foster experiential learning and prepare students ahead of the Fourth Industrial Revolution challenges.
HEALTH
In a significant move to enhance primary healthcare delivery, Governor Mbah budgeted ₦21.7 billion in the 2024 budget for constructing ultramodern 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, with staff quarters across all electoral wards in the state. This initiative aims to provide accessible and quality healthcare services to residents, ensuring a healthy workforce essential for economic productivity.
Beyond infrastructure, the government is recruiting healthcare professionals and upgrading the Enugu State College of Nursing Sciences to collegiate status. Additionally, it is digitizing patient records across healthcare facilities for improved data management and service delivery.
AGRICULTURE
Pragmatic Palms Limited was commissioned by the governor to revive the moribund Enugu United Palm Products Ltd. in a N100bn investment deal. Praxis Africa, in collaboration with IAEGO Agro Venture, is also investing in large-scale mechanized farming, funding farm activities, and establishing agricultural clusters across the state’s 17 local government areas. These initiatives align with Governor Mbah’s broader goal of leveraging agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and effective governance of Enugu State’s space.
WATER
The campaign promise of delivering portable water to Enugu residents in 180 days came to fulfilment with the commissioning of the 9th Mile 24/7 Water Scheme, which supplies 70 million litres of water daily, and reviving of the Oji River Water Scheme, contributing another 50 million litres. Together, these projects have boosted water production from a mere 2 million litres to 120 million litres daily—exceeding the urban demand for Enugu.
NEW ENUGU CITY PROJECT
The New Enugu City project, initiated by Governor Peter Mbah, is a transformative urban development endeavor located in Owo, Enugu State. Launched in October 2023, the project will establish a technologically advanced smart city spanning 10,000 hectares, designed to rival global urban centers.
Key features of the New Enugu City include dedicated power supply, a central sewage system, high-speed internet connectivity, a piped gas network, monorail transportation, and the use of electric and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. The city is also planned to incorporate artificial lakes, rivers, and extensive green spaces to enhance livability.
This ambitious project is poised to position Enugu State as a leader in smart urban development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
SPORTS
Afrinvest Group, is actively involved in the provision of sporting infrastructure and logistics, as well as branding and sponsorship initiatives aimed at reviving the state’s Rangers football club for global competitiveness. The government, which sees sports as big business is upgrading the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium to an ultramodern sports complex and has landed the hosting right for the 2026 National Sports Festival.
SKILLS ACQUISITION
Skills development and acquisition centers have also been robustly strengthened under the coordination of the Enugu SME Centre. Various programs like the Human Capital Development Training, Enugu State SME-ALT School Training (ESAST) program, Enugu Cyber Security Learning Program (ECSL), and Enugu Data Analytics Training Program (EDAT) are ongoing to improve skills acquisition in the state.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The abandoned International Complex Centre (ICC) has been completed by the Mbah Administration and commissioned recently by the President Ahmed Tinubu. This is as the reactivation of other moribund state enterprises including Nigergas Company Limited and Presidential hotels Limited are nearing completion. The Enugu International Conference 5-star Hotel was flagged off in May 2024 and billed for commissioning in a few months’ time.
REACTIVATED INDUSTRIES
Governor Peter Mbah’s administration in Enugu State has undertaken significant efforts to revitalize moribund industries and attract new investments, aiming to boost the state’s economy and create employment opportunities.
Some of the revitalized industries include: Sunrise Flour Mills, United Palm Products Ltd. (UPPL), Niger Gas Ltd. Tractor Assembly Plant and Lion Business Park (LBP).
TINUBU PRAISES DR. MBAH
President Bola Tinubu has lauded the governor for his commitment to providing security and attracting foreign and local investors for the development of the state, urging the leaders of the region and well-meaning citizens to cooperate with Mbah in his drive to making Enugu a role model for other states.
He said, “I am very proud of Nigeria. Mbah is proud of Nigeria. He is doing everything possible to provide security, attracting foreign investors and other investors locally.
“He is doing a fantastic job and I am glad that Enugu got a very good job tomorrow, today. I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development; you have built up a good team”.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Gov. Mbah has garnered a long list of prestigious awards and commendations for his transformative leadership and commitment to development. Some of them include:
Governor of the Year (Urban Development) by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 2023; Leadership Governor of the Year by Leadership Newspaper 2024; Beacon of Tourism Advancement Award by Jands Visionary Awards; Governor of the Year in Courage in Leadership by New Telegraph Newspaper 2023 among others.
CONCLUSION
Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership style is visionary, pragmatic, and people-centered, marked by a results-driven approach and bold policy reforms. His politics prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and youth empowerment, bridging gaps between rural and urban communities.
Mbah’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy is evident in his massive road projects, smart school initiative, increased internally generated revenue, and social welfare programs. He engages stakeholders across sectors, fostering collaboration and accountability. His administration reflects a deep resolve to build a modern, prosperous Enugu where governance directly impacts citizens’ daily lives.
Indeed, our tomorrow is here!
Prince Nnah, a businessman, politician and public affairs commentator, is from Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State
