"Let Security Open the Door to Enugu’s Economic Revival": A Compassionate Appeal to Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah

By Emeka Amadi

I wish to sincerely commend the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for the remarkable efforts his administration has continued to make in restoring security, improving infrastructure and creating a more prosperous future for the people of Enugu State. At a time when security remains a major concern across the country, the recent rescue of the Catholic faithful abducted at Inoyi community in Affa, Udi Local Government Area, and the arrest of some of the alleged perpetrators deserve commendation. These developments are encouraging signs that the security architecture being put in place by the administration is yielding results.

From my vantage point at Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, I have continued to follow developments in Enugu with keen interest. I am particularly encouraged by the Governor’s investment in modern security technology, including drones and other equipment, as well as the broader efforts to protect lives and property. I also commend the administration’s investments in roads, education, Smart Schools, aviation, industrialisation and job creation for young people and women. These are the building blocks of a modern state, and I believe that Enugu is on the right path.

However, I believe that this is also the right time to begin asking how the gains being made in security can be translated directly into greater economic freedom for Ndi Enugu. Security should not only make people feel safe; it should enable people to move freely, conduct business, work late, enjoy legitimate entertainment and earn a living without unnecessary restrictions. This is why I respectfully appeal to Governor Mbah to take a fresh look at Enugu’s night economy.

Enugu has historically been a city known for its vibrant nightlife. Our restaurants, hotels, bars, lounges, beer parlours, relaxation centres, entertainment venues and night businesses once contributed significantly to the character and economy of the Coal City. Unfortunately, many of these businesses are gradually struggling or closing down because the night-time economy has been severely weakened. One major factor is the restriction on commercial transportation during the night.

The previous administration introduced restrictions that prevented tricycles and minibuses from operating during late-night hours, particularly from around 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., largely because of the insecurity of that period. While such measures may have been understandable within the security circumstances that existed at the time, I believe the current administration should now review them in light of the security improvements being recorded.

The question is simple: if Enugu is becoming safer, should we not also begin to remove restrictions that were introduced because Enugu was unsafe?

I believe the answer is yes. The successful rescue of the Affa victims, the arrest of suspected kidnappers, the deployment of drones and other modern security equipment, and the administration’s broader security measures should give us confidence to begin reopening the night economy under properly regulated conditions.

Lifting or reviewing the night-time restriction on commercial minibuses and tricycles would be particularly important because not every resident of Enugu owns a private vehicle. The middle class, workers, students, artisans, traders and ordinary citizens who depend on public transportation should not be effectively locked out of the city’s economic and social activities after a particular hour.

If we want Enugu to become a truly modern and economically competitive city, people must be able to move safely at night. A hotel guest should be able to go out for dinner and return safely. A worker finishing a late shift should be able to get home. A restaurant owner should be able to serve customers beyond the early evening. A young entrepreneur running an entertainment business should have an opportunity to make legitimate income at night. These are ordinary features of a functioning urban economy.

I therefore appeal to Governor Mbah to consider a carefully regulated night transportation system rather than an outright restriction. The government can work with transport unions, security agencies, local authorities and community leaders to establish clear routes, identification systems, operational guidelines and security monitoring for commercial vehicles operating at night. With modern surveillance technology now available to the state, there is an opportunity to manage the system intelligently rather than simply shutting it down.

The same principle should apply to our markets and commercial centres. I respectfully urge Governor Mbah to look into the situation surrounding the Abakpa Timber and Building Materials market along the Nike-Lake Double Lane axis and other commercial locations that have experienced restrictions or closures. These places are not merely collections of shops; they represent the livelihoods of thousands of families.

A trader who loses his shop does not lose only a business. His children may lose school fees. His apprentices may lose their training. His employees may lose their jobs. Transporters lose income. Suppliers lose customers. Landlords lose tenants. The ripple effect spreads far beyond the market itself.

This is why I believe government must always look at the human and economic consequences of restrictive policies. Where there are legitimate concerns about traffic, urban planning, environmental standards or public safety, those concerns should be addressed through proper infrastructure, planning, regulation and enforcement rather than policies that unnecessarily destroy businesses.

In my view, Enugu’s traffic problems should be tackled primarily through better roads, improved traffic management, proper urban planning and modern transportation systems. The presence of legitimate businesses should not automatically be treated as the root cause of congestion. A growing city needs both infrastructure and commerce.

Governor Mbah has already demonstrated through the government’s road projects that infrastructure can transform communities. The same approach should be applied to commercial areas. Instead of simply restricting businesses, government can redesign, regulate and modernise commercial corridors to make them safer, cleaner and more accessible.

I also commend Governor Mbah for confronting the illegal sit-at-home order in Enugu State. That policy did enormous damage to our economy, keeping people at home, preventing businesses from opening and weakening the productive capacity of the state. The decision to restore normal economic and social activities was therefore important.

I believe the same philosophy should now guide the review of other restrictions that continue to limit movement and economic activity. If the government can say no to an illegal sit-at-home order because Ndi Enugu must be free to work and do business, then we should also be willing to examine whether other restrictions are still necessary in the current security environment.

There is also a need to look at the burden of taxation on small businesses, particularly those operating in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. These businesses employ people, pay rents, purchase goods and services and contribute to the local economy. Government revenue is important, but taxation should not become so burdensome that legitimate businesses are forced to close.

A thriving economy requires a partnership between government and the private sector. Government must provide security, roads, electricity, water, sanitation, regulation and other essential infrastructure, while entrepreneurs create businesses, jobs and wealth. Neither side can succeed independently.

Enugu occupies a strategic position in the South-East. It is a historic administrative, commercial and cultural centre of the region and has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for investment, tourism, technology, entertainment and enterprise. We should therefore be careful not to adopt policies that unintentionally make it difficult for businesses to survive.

Governor Mbah’s vision for a modern Enugu can become even more impactful if security, infrastructure and economic freedom are brought together. We need an Enugu where a young person can start a business and grow it; where a hotel can operate profitably; where a restaurant can serve customers at night; where markets can function efficiently; where transport is available when people need it; and where investors are confident that their businesses will operate within a predictable regulatory environment.

I am not asking for a reckless opening of the night economy or markets without rules. On the contrary, I am calling for smart regulation. Let the government establish clear operating hours where necessary, enforce safety standards, regulate transportation, improve lighting, deploy security personnel and technology, and hold businesses accountable for violations. But let us also create room for legitimate enterprise to breathe.

The recent security achievements in Affa and other parts of the state should become a catalyst for this next phase. If we are winning the battle against insecurity, then let the people begin to feel the economic dividends of that victory.

My appeal to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is therefore simple: let security translate into economic freedom. Reopen where appropriate. Review restrictions that have outlived their original purpose. Give businesses room to thrive. Restore night transportation under responsible regulation. Support the hospitality industry. Reassess the burden of taxes on small businesses. Modernise our markets and invest more aggressively in the infrastructure that supports commerce.

Enugu does not have to choose between security and a vibrant economy. We can have both.

I remain confident that Governor Mbah, whose administration has demonstrated the willingness to take bold decisions, can lead this next economic transformation. Let us build on the security gains already recorded and create an Enugu where people are not only safe, but also free to work, trade, invest, move and prosper.

Governor Mbah, Enugu is ready for the next chapter. Let security open the door, and let economic freedom walk through it.

Emeka Amadi writes from Memorial University, Newfoundland And Labrador, Canada..... ✍️