Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has announced plans to harness the state’s abundant coal reserves to generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity, asserting that Enugu’s coal is a valuable resource that will not be left idle or treated as a “stranded asset” without just compensation.
Speaking in Lagos at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) “Meet the Governor” series, Mbah emphasized that the coal in Enugu contains less than 0.5% sulphur, which is significantly lower than the generally acceptable threshold of 1%, making it more environmentally friendly for energy production.
“We cannot treat our coal as a stranded asset, particularly the Enugu coal, which is premium-grade. We now have the technology to utilize it with minimal environmental impact,” he said.
According to him, Enugu coal’s high calorific value makes it ideal for thermal power generation, and the state is actively exploring this as part of its broader energy strategy.
The governor also highlighted a major security improvement in the state, claiming an 80% reduction in crime rates under his administration, a move he says is essential for attracting investors and supporting businesses.
“Businesses cannot thrive amid insecurity. That’s why we’ve made significant investments in infrastructure and technology to combat crime,” he noted.
On tourism, Governor Mbah unveiled ambitious plans to draw three million visitors annually.
He pointed to major investments, including the completed Enugu International Conference Centre (ICC), which recently hosted 20,000 attendees during the Nigerian Bar Association’s 2025 Annual General Conference.
He also revealed the near completion of the ICC 5-Star Hotel, and the upcoming “Cross of Hope”, a 100-metre-tall religious monument to be mounted on Enugu’s highest peak (580 metres above sea level), aimed at boosting religious tourism.
To support the expected tourism boom, Mbah disclosed that his administration has partnered with investors to secure a concession for Akanu Ibiam International Airport, with plans for the international terminal to become operational by Q1 2026.
Additionally, he announced plans to bring in six new aircraft for Enugu Air in time for the Christmas season, citing higher-than-expected passenger volumes just one month into operations.
Recognizing the demand surge that will follow increased tourism, the state plans to deliver four branded hotels by the end of 2026.
“If we’re targeting three million visitors, hospitality infrastructure must be ready to meet the demand,” Mbah stated.
In his remarks at the event, NBCC President Abimbola Olashore praised Enugu’s rapid transformation under Mbah’s leadership, citing progress in digital governance, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships.
Also speaking at the event, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter highlighted the robust and growing trade relationship between the UK and Nigeria, currently valued at £7.9 billion, the highest ever recorded.
Baxter said the UK remains Nigeria’s top investor, contributing 65% of total FDI, and pointed to the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) signed in 2024 as a major milestone in improving bilateral trade.
He added that under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, over 90% of Nigerian exports to the UK are now duty-free, though he stressed the importance of raising local product standards to meet international benchmarks.
“Once Nigerian goods meet UK standards, they also meet European and American standards, opening access to much larger markets,” he said.
