The much-anticipated Enugu Air has officially touched down at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, marking a significant milestone in Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah's vision for economic transformation. The arrival of the state-backed airline signals a bold step toward positioning Enugu as a premier investment hub, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to infrastructural expansion, trade, and global connectivity.
Recall that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State unveiled plans to acquire four new aircraft for the proposed state-owned airline, Enugu Air, with an investment of N41.1 billion. This initiative is part of the state's 2025 budget, which emphasizes transforming Enugu into a commercial hub. The budget also includes provisions for the concessioning of Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the development of an international cargo terminal.
The 2025 budget, themed "Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity," totals N971 billion, marking an 86.4% increase from the previous year's budget. Capital expenditure accounts for 86% of the budget, reflecting the administration's commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth.
In addition to aviation investments, the budget allocates N320.6 billion to education, representing over 33% of the total budget, highlighting the state's focus on poverty eradication and inclusive development. The healthcare sector is also set to receive N45.8 billion to enhance service delivery and access to medical services.
These strategic investments aim to position Enugu State among the top three states in Nigeria by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and reduce reliance on federal allocations by boosting internally generated revenue.
