By Nnamani Arinze Darlington
As Enugu State commemorates the third anniversary of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration on May 29, 2026, a compelling story of visionary and results-driven governance unfolds. In a political landscape often marked by unfulfilled promises, Governor Mbah has distinguished himself through private-sector discipline, fiscal prudence, and an unwavering commitment to measurable outcomes. His bold agenda to expand Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years and eradicate poverty has translated into tangible achievements that are reshaping the state’s future.
*The sheer volume and depth of Governor Peter Mbah’s achievements in just three years are so vast and transformative that it would be practically impossible to capture them all in this single piece. Nevertheless, I will do my utmost best to highlight the most significant ones that have redefined governance in Enugu State.*
Assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Mbah prioritized security, infrastructure, human capital development, economic diversification, and the revival of moribund assets. Three years later, Enugu stands as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic sub-national economies, characterized by innovation, efficiency, and inclusive growth.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly lauded Governor Mbah’s performance, describing him as a “transformative leader” whose work inspires confidence in Nigeria’s future.
During an appreciation visit by an Enugu delegation, President Tinubu stated: “The future of this country rests on leaders with commitment, vision, and seriousness like you.” He further praised Mbah’s inclusive governance and its role in repositioning the Southeast for economic and political transformation, noting firsthand observations of “what good and competent leadership… can accomplish when anchored on vision and service to the people.”
*Security and Enabling Environment*
Governor Mbah’s administration decisively dismantled the debilitating “sit-at-home” regime through strategic investments in a statewide CCTV network, AI-powered surveillance, a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre, and enhanced security mobility. These measures have significantly reduced crime rates, restored public confidence, and positioned Enugu as a secure hub for investment and tourism.
*Infrastructure Revolution: Over 1,000km of Roads and Multimodal transport Breakthrough*
Infrastructure development remains the most visible testament to Mbah’s leadership. In just three years, his administration has constructed, reconstructed, or rehabilitated over 1,000 kilometres of roads. Encompassing urban, rural, and intercity corridors, including flyovers, bridges, and major gateways. Flagship projects include the reconstruction of Monaque Avenue, Emene, New Haven improvements, the dualization of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa-Ugwogo Nike-Opi Nsukka Road, and numerous others across 13 zones in the capital. Complementing this, the state has delivered five ultramodern transport terminals: Holy Ghost Terminal 1 (Enugu Central Station 1) for interstate transport, Holy Ghost Terminal 2 (Enugu Central Station 2) for intercity transport, Nsukka Terminal (Nsukka Central Station), Abakpa Nike Terminal (Abakpa Central Station), and Gariki Terminal (Gariki Central Station). The administration has also introduced a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit system with roll out of over 200 CNG buses and established a mega asphalt production plant. A major aviation breakthrough is the full operationalization of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport as the operational base for the state-owned Enugu Air. Procured and launched in July 2025 with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft (rapidly expanded to six Embraer 170/190/195 series), Enugu Air operates domestic routes connecting Enugu to Abuja, Lagos, and other key cities, with regional flights commencing and international routes (including to China, London, Germany, and beyond) scheduled before the end of 2026. It has added immense value by enhancing connectivity, reducing travel costs, creating direct and indirect jobs, boosting tourism, facilitating trade and investment inflows, and contributing significantly to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue. It positions Enugu as a regional aviation and economic hub, supporting the broader goal of attracting over three million visitors annually while serving as a strategic platform for commerce and diaspora engagement.
*Educational Transformation:*
This is the systemic shift from traditional, standardized, teacher-centered instruction to personalized, flexible, and lifelong learning models. Driven by technological advancements, AI, and evolving workforce needs, it aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and equity for all learners.
Education receives unprecedented priority, with up to 33% of the state budget allocated to the sector. The cornerstone is the construction of 260 Smart Green Schools, one in each of the state’s 260 wards. These solar-powered, technology-driven institutions feature smart boards, AI and robotics labs, e-libraries, digital learning tools, and experiential learning environments designed to produce 21st-century-ready graduates.Further strengthening technical and vocational education, Governor Mbah has completely revamped the moribund Government Technical College (GTC) Enugu, transforming it from a dilapidated facility into a state-of-the-art institution with 24 ultra-modern training centres in ICT, renewable energy, auto-mechatronics, welding, fashion design, hospitality, and more. This flagship project is the first of eight Science, Technical, and Vocational (STV) Schools being established across the state, creating clear pathways for skills acquisition and youth empowerment.
*Healthcare Transformation:*
Governor Mbah’s administration has undertaken a comprehensive overhaul of the healthcare sector, emphasizing accessibility, quality, and specialization. A flagship initiative is the construction of 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), one in every ward across the state. These modern facilities bring quality healthcare closer to the people, eliminating the need for residents to travel long distances for basic and essential medical services. The centres feature at least 13 beds per facility (totaling over 3,380 beds statewide), 24-hour solar power, reliable running water, sanitation facilities, and staff quarters (2-bedroom apartments for healthcare workers to ensure round-the-clock availability). Services are provided free of charge to residents, supported by a comprehensive digital Electronic Health Records (EHR) system for seamless patient data management. Many centres also serve as referral points within a hub-and-spoke model, linking to higher-level Type-3 facilities for advanced care. This network is revolutionizing grassroots healthcare delivery and promoting preventive and primary care.
Secondary care is being strengthened through the revamping of Cottage and General Hospitals. At the tertiary level, SUMAS, Parklane (ESUT Teaching Hospital) has received massive upgrades, including a renovated Accident & Emergency Unit, Neonatal Ward, twin 6-floor Laboratory and Clinical Complex, 7-floor Nursing Complex, MRI suite, and expanded infrastructure. The apex is the new 300-bed Enugu International Hospital, a quaternary specialist facility equipped for advanced oncology (cyclotron, PET Scan, radiotherapy), dialysis, critical care, and complex surgeries to curb medical tourism.
*Youth Employment Revolution:*
One of the most profound impacts of Governor Mbah’s administration has been the massive creation of employment opportunities for the youths of Enugu State. Through the combined effects of infrastructure projects, the aviation sector (Enugu Air), 260 Smart Green Schools, technical and vocational institutions, 260 Primary Healthcare Centres, Smart Farm Estates, the Haier ICT assembly plant, Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant, revived industries, transport terminals, CNG bus operations, and tourism initiatives, the administration has generated an estimated over 120,000 direct and indirect jobs for young people in just three years. This includes thousands of teaching and non-teaching staff in the new schools, healthcare workers across the PHC network and specialist hospitals, technicians and engineers in the manufacturing and assembly plants, pilots, cabin crew and ground staff in aviation, agricultural mechanization experts, construction workers, and entrepreneurs empowered through skills programmes. These efforts are systematically transitioning Enugu youths from job seekers to wealth creators, significantly reducing unemployment and building a vibrant, skilled workforce aligned with the state’s $30 billion economy vision.
*Agricultural Revolution:*
Agriculture has shifted from subsistence farming to a modern, industrial enterprise. The government is developing 260 Smart Farm Estates and Smart Green House Farm projects across the state, equipped for agribusiness, youth training, seed innovation, and climate-smart practices. These initiatives, supported by tractor procurement, assembly plants, and farmer empowerment programmes, are boosting food security, productivity, and rural economies.
*Revitalizing Moribund Assets and Industrial Growth*
A cornerstone of Governor Mbah’s economic strategy is the revival of long-abandoned state assets. The administration has successfully revamped the Enugu International Conference Centre (ICC), which lay moribund for over 17 years and has now been fully completed and commissioned within 18 months, featuring a 3,000-capacity auditorium, 1,500-capacity secondary venue, and supporting facilities to boost conferencing, tourism, and events. The iconic Hotel Presidential, abandoned for about 15 years, has been reconstructed and reinaugurated as a premium hospitality landmark. Other notable revivals are Niger Gas Limited (Nigeria’s first domestic gas bottling company, now producing industrial gases), United Palm Products Limited (UPPL), Sunrise Flour Mill, and several others, all being turned into productive engines of growth and job creation.
Further driving industrial growth and agricultural mechanization is the Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre, a major investment by Denmark’s ODK Group (parent company of Nortra Tractors). Governor Mbah flagged off the plant’s construction, with the state ordering 1,000 tractors, some fully imported and hundreds assembled locally in Enugu. Over 100 tractors are already operational, supporting farmers statewide through the agricultural mechanization programme. This facility, including a service centre and training institute, creates jobs, builds local capacity, and advances the state’s food security goals.
The administration has successfully launched the Haier Factory, a major ICT assembly plant producing smartphones, tablets, computers, smart boards, Android TVs, and solutions for education, health, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Additional economic enablers include the digitization of land administration through ENGIS, a unified tax regime that has dramatically increased internally generated revenue (with reports of over 400% growth), tourism infrastructure upgrades, and aggressive investment promotion.
*Fiscal Prudence, Transparency and Citizens’ Charter*
Governor Mbah exemplifies disciplined governance with consistent high capital expenditure, driven by phenomenal revenue growth. Internally Generated Revenue has surged from below ₦30 billion annually to over ₦400 billion, with a 2026 target of ₦870 billion. This fiscal strength is anchored on the Enugu State Citizens’ Charter, the first of its kind; which sets measurable service standards, promotes transparent public financial management, accountability, and monthly revenue reporting.In a landmark welfare initiative, the 2026 budget earmarks ₦32 billion for pensions and gratuities, clearing decades-old arrears and restoring hope to retirees. His private-sector background ensures efficient project execution and value-for-money, making governance truly citizen-centered.
From security stabilization and over 1,000km of roads, to the 260 Smart Green Schools, revamped GTC and eight STV institutions, the Haier Factory, 260 Smart Farm Estates, comprehensive healthcare transformation across primary, secondary, tertiary (Parklane), and quaternary levels, Rangers International FC Clinching the title 2 time; 2024 and 2026 in 3 years of Mbah’s administration, Nortra/ODK Tractor Assembly Plant, the Smart City project, and the revival of moribund assets including the ICC, Hotel Presidential, Niger Gas, and UPPL, Governor Peter Mbah’s three-year record is unmatched in scope, innovation, and impact.
These verifiable deliverables, underscores why Governor Mbah stands tall as Nigeria’s best performing Governor. Enugu State is not just progressing, it is setting a national benchmark for transformative governance among other sub-nationals.
Congratulations to His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on this extraordinary milestone. The foundation you have laid promises an even brighter future for Ndi Enugu and serves as inspiration for Nigeria.
...Nnamani, is the Special Assistant to Governor Mbah on Media
