Enugu Govt pledges business-friendly policies, infrastructure to boost investment

The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses through favourable policies and sustained investment in critical infrastructure.

Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, governor of Enugu State, made this known while addressing members of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture at the closing ceremony of the Enugu International Trade Fair Wednesday.

He was represented by Sam Ogbu Nwobodo, commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry.

Nwobodo stated that the administration was laying a solid foundation for reliable power supply, noting that Enugu has emerged as the first state in Nigeria with an operational electricity market, supported by a functional distribution company and several licensed generation companies expected to come on stream soon.

He emphasised that the government remained focused on opening up the state for rapid and unprecedented economic growth, adding that the private sector stands to benefit significantly from ongoing reforms.

“The economy grows when government removes bottlenecks and eases pain points for businesses,” he said.

“We are improving transport infrastructure, reducing travel time, and investing in systems that facilitate the movement of people and goods,” he added.

The commissioner highlighted key initiatives including the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, the establishment of a state-backed airline, and ongoing large-scale road construction projects.

On security, Nwobodo described Enugu as one of the safest states in the country, attributing this to deliberate investments in technology and manpower. He cited the deployment of a command-and-control center, surveillance cameras, and enhanced security personnel as major steps taken to safeguard lives and property.

He also noted improvements in water supply, despite challenges such as vandalism of existing infrastructure, adding that ongoing efforts are gradually reducing dependence on private water sources for businesses.

According to him, reforms in governance have significantly improved the state’s business climate.

“Within two years, Enugu moved from 36th to sixth position in national ease of doing business rankings, and it is still rising,” he said.

“Regulations are now more predictable, tax administration is transparent, and land administration has improved with the deployment of modern technology.”

Nwobodo further underscored the government’s drive toward industrialisation through the revival of moribund state assets. He listed projects such as the Presidential Hotel, Niger Gas, the aluminium factory, Nike Lake Resort, Enugu United Palm Plantation, and Sunrise Flour Mill as examples of renewed economic activity.

“These efforts demonstrate that when government invests in itself, it inspires investor confidence,” he said, adding that the state aims to grow its economy significantly beyond its previous levels.

He commended ECCIMA for successfully organising the trade fair, noting that such events are vital for networking and business development. He urged organisers to continue innovating, assuring them of sustained government support.

“The most important outcome of trade fairs is the connections made,” he added. “We encourage initiatives that will continue to attract investment and drive economic growth in Enugu State.”