Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has said the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government has freed up significant financial resources, enabling governors to undertake major development projects for their states.
Mbah made the remark on Thursday while receiving the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was in Enugu for a two-day Citizens’ Engagement Series in the Southeast.
The governor noted that the policy had allowed his administration to pursue its campaign promises, citing projects such as the construction of 7,000 classrooms, the provision of 3,300 hospital beds, and the development of 2,000 hectares of 260 farm estates across all wards of the state.
As part of his infrastructure drive, Mbah also inaugurated 100 of the 200 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit buses acquired by the state, along with five ultramodern transport terminals and more than 80 modern bus shelters. The newly opened terminals are Holy Ghost Terminal 1 for interstate transport, Holy Ghost Terminal 2 for intercity transport, Nsukka Terminal, Abakpa Nike Terminal, and Gariki Terminal.
Mbah said these facilities form the first phase of his transport policy and are central to his plan to expand Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion. He recalled that before the project began in late 2023, the Holy Ghost area had been plagued by chronic traffic congestion and disorder.
According to him, the integrated transport system is designed to make Enugu the most livable city in Nigeria, offering comfort, efficiency, and dignity in public transportation. He said the scheme would link road, rail, air, and waterways into a seamless and safe network, stimulate economic growth, and create over 20,000 jobs in sectors including bus rapid transit, hybrid city taxis, airport operations, and ride-hailing services.
The governor emphasised that the Enugu Transport Management System would operate with transparency, using an e-ticketing platform to eliminate revenue leakages and corruption. A single valid ticket, he said, would grant passengers access to multiple buses, and all vehicles and commuters would be covered by comprehensive insurance.
Mbah expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support, citing the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport as a major boost to Enugu’s role as an aviation and economic hub. He described Tinubu’s backing as unprecedented in the history of federal–state relations.
The Programme Director and CEO of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, represented by Tari Mayor-Bright, commended Mbah for deploying CNG buses and building modern transport facilities, describing the move as a step toward safer, cleaner, and more affordable public transportation.
Biodun Otunola, Managing Director of Planet Project Construction Company, the contractors for the terminals, said the simultaneous construction of five terminals was unprecedented in Nigeria’s history. He credited the achievement to political will and research-based planning.
Leaders across Enugu State, including local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and market associations, praised the initiative, calling it a catalyst for economic growth and improved quality of life. They said the modern transport infrastructure would enhance business connectivity, reduce congestion, and position the state as a model for urban development in Nigeria.
