THE TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY OF DR. MBAH’S ADMINISTRATION IN TWO YEARS..as he takes bold march forward in growing the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion with his disruptive innovation mantra
Governor Mbah has demonstrated an adept understanding of governance nuances and the importance of swift, decisive action in addressing the state’s developmental challenges since he assumed office on the 29th of May, 2023.
The Governor has been aggressive in attracting business, investment, and developmental partnerships, which have been followed by the speedy drafting of transaction documentation and closing of numerous deals in record time. The Governor has signed several executive bills and is implementing hundreds of agreements and memoranda of understanding geared towards developing all sectors and sections of the state. These executive orders have laid the groundwork for several key initiatives, enabling the government to respond promptly to emerging issues and ensuring that the state’s machinery operates smoothly. Some of these new laws include:
. The Enugu State Electricity Law, 2023
. The Enugu State Geographic Information Systems Service Law, 2024
. The New Enugu City Management Agency Law, 2024
. The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences Teaching Hospital Igbo-Eno Law, 2024
. The Enugu State Properties Protection Law, 2024
. The Public Ranch Management Agency Law, 2024
. The Enugu State Environmental and Climate Protection Law, 2024
. The Enugu State Sports Development Fund Law, 2024
. The Neighbourhood Association and Watch Group Law, 2024
. The Enugu State College of Nursing Sciences Parklane and Awgu Bill, 2024, among others.
On 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.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is swiftly etching his name in history with remarkable initiatives that have prominently placed the Coal City on the global stage. He has demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication to his desire to shape the future of the state through extensive infrastructural development, educational advancement, public welfare improvements, civil service and legal system reforms, enhanced security measures amongst others.
Critical Examination Of Dr. Mbah’s Administration Within 2 Years In Office:
Under Governor Mbah’s leadership, several key projects have been initiated across various sectors, each contributing to job creation, economic expansion, human development, enhanced security measures..etc
1.In the educational sector, Governor Peter Mbah has launched an ambitious initiative known as the Smart Green Schools across all 260 wards in Enugu State, aimed at revolutionizing the state’s educational landscape. The 260 Smart Green Schools planned across the various wards in Enugu State, 30 have already been completed and fully equipped.
2.In the Health Sector, Governor Mbah’s administration is constructing ultramodern well-equipped 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. The World Health Organization, European Union have commended this effort, noting that it sets the administration apart in the demonstration of a strong political commitment to health and in aligning with sustainable pathways toward achieving health security and universal health coverage for the people of Enugu State.Health infrastructure has received a major boost, with Med Serve overseeing the rehabilitation and upgrade of hospitals to provide world-class diagnostic and oncology services, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and brachytherapy. EquiLease has been instrumental in supplying state-of-the-art medical equipment to ensure that healthcare facilities in Enugu meet global standards. Additionally, African Medical City is developing a general hospital to expand access to quality healthcare services.
3 In agricultural sector, it has witnessed remarkable investment. Pragmatic Palms Limited is leading efforts to revive Enugu United Palm Products Ltd. in a N100bn investment deal, ensuring the state reclaims its position in palm oil production. Praxis Africa, in collaboration with IAEGO Agro Venture, is 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.
4.In the area of water resources, Governor Mbah has spearheaded water infrastructure development, focusing on advanced metering infrastructure operations and maintenance. Complementing this effort, OSTAP International Water Consulting, an Austrian company, recently undertook to invest and is indeed already investing $100 million as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to boost the state’s water infrastructure. This is under the auspices of WANDE NEXUS company to implement sustainable advanced metering infrastructure, (AMI) project in Enugu. This is in addition to designing modern sewer systems, sewage treatment plants, and digitalizing existing sewage systems to improve sanitation across the state.
5 In security sector, Mbah initiated and completed one of the best and most ultramodern Command and Control Centers in Africa with complementary AI-enabled surveillance and digital cameras with capacity for facial and number plate recognitions that were installed across the state as well as more than 150 security vehicles installed with the same quality high tech cameras. These vehicles aid the operations of the Distress Response Squad, a special police unit, which Mbah set up for crime prevention and speedy response to security situations.
6.In the manufacturing sector, Jelfah Nigeria Ltd. is revitalizing the once-thriving Sunrise Flour Mills in a N30bn deal with the Enugu State Government, a major breakthrough in terms of investment and revitalisation of moribund assets as promised by the governor during the election campaign. This move is set to boost local production and supply chains. Similarly, Waston Doors is spearheading security and wooden door manufacturing, while Sapphire Ceramics Company is championing ceramics tile production. The establishment of NORTRA Tractors assembly plan in Enugu by ODK group of Denmark in the state is a significant development marking a major step towards his administration’s vision to grow the state’s economy from 4.4 billion to $30 billion GDP in 8 years. This development will also bolster the manufacturing sector, supporting the agricultural sector’s mechanization drive.
7.In the electricity sector, the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023, followed by the establishment and full operationalization of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has strengthened the regulatory framework, creating an enabling environment for service providers, developers, investors, stakeholders, and customers to participate as licensees, off-takers, or players in the electricity sector.
8.In the youth and sports and human development sector, 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 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.
9 In the economic sector, one critical aspect of his economic agenda is improving access to land and property acquisition. Recognizing that land is a key asset for business activities, Governor Mbah has reformed the state’s land administration system to make it faster, more transparent, and investor-friendly. The land records in the state have been fully digitized under the newly established Enugu Geographical Information Services, ENGIS, with over 80 percent of the titles already captured in the digital land archive.
Mbah’s administration has invested heavily in road construction, digital connectivity, and increased provision of electric power to create a more conducive environment for business. The statistics are staggering, with construction and rehabilitation of over 300 kilometres of urban and rural roads in the state
To further enhance the business climate, the state government has digitized the business registration process and streamlined application procedures, allowing entrepreneurs to register their businesses and apply for permits through a one-stop-shop platform. This initiative has eliminated unnecessary delays and paperwork, providing a seamless experience for both local and foreign investors.
Energy and industrialisation have not been left behind, with Greenville LNG Company enabled by this administration in the ongoing development of LNG mother and daughter stations across the state to improve gas supply and industrial energy needs.
The Long abandoned International Conference 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. This is positioning Enugu as a centre for tourism and global engagement.
His structured implementation of the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) reforms and other strategic initiatives have created an enabling environment that is drawing local and international investors.
The state’s Internal Revenue Service has 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, has ensured greater compliance while reducing the burden on businesses, making Enugu more attractive for investors.
As a savvy businessman, Mbah is positioning Enugu as an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment. His recent budget initiatives reflect a strategic focus on boosting the state’s internally generated revenue while ensuring ample funding for critical capital projects that will benefit all citizens.
10.In the Legal system, a holistic revision of the entire laws of Enugu State is currently ongoing. The last time this was done was over 20 years ago. The revision is aimed at ensuring that the legal framework is up-to-date, coherent, and responsive to contemporary needs.
This comprehensive revision involves scrutinizing existing laws, identifying areas for improvement, proposing necessary amendments, consolidating laws and their amendments scattered in various legislation, harmonizing conflicting provisions, publishing the laws as a set of compendium of laws, etc. By undertaking this ambitious project, Governor Mbah’s administration is laying the foundation for a more effective and efficient legal system. This initiative ensures that the Laws of Enugu State are aligned with best practices and capable of addressing the evolving needs of the society.
In line with his manifesto, the Governor laid the groundwork for the creation of specialized courts for unimpeded access to justice for all. These Courts will be presided over by experts in the specialized areas, to optimize the quality of the determination of issues, the speed of dispensation, and the wholesomeness of outcomes. Some of these specialized courts include:
. Small Claims Court (fully operational) for quick dispensation of cases involving claims of One Million Naira or less.
. Commercial Court (to deal with Commercial, Contracts, Revenue, and Fast-track matters)
Probate and Family Court (dealing with probate, matrimonial causes, and family matters)
. Criminal Court (responsible for criminal cases involving sentences above 14 years, including life and death sentences)
. Lands (or Real Estate) Court (to handle land matters)
Also, the reactivation of the Citizen’s Rights and Mediation Center (CRMC) forums in the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State stands out as a people-centric achievement. These centers play a critical role in alternative dispute resolution, offering a platform for resolving conflicts amicably without the need for protracted court cases. This is particularly important to the rural populace, who will be largely without remedy if costly litigation is the only available resolution. By revitalizing these centers, the Governor has alleviated the burden on the judicial system and promoted a culture of peace and dialogue among the residents. The CRMC Forums/Centers now serve as vital hubs for community engagement, where disputes are resolved swiftly and equitably, fostering social harmony.
The legal frameworks and transaction instruments made by Governor Mbah’s administration are deliberately of international standard, fair, and protect the interest of all parties involved.
In summary, two years under Governor Mbah’s leadership has seen significant advancements in Enugu State.
Many of these achievements are known and felt, while some are felt but not widely recognized.
The legacy of this transformative two years in office are expected to enlarge and resonate for years to come, shaping Enugu State into a just, equitable, and inclusively prosperous society.
Tomorrow is Here!
