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A Spotlight By Nnolim Nnaji, Member House Of Representatives

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, Enugu State has quietly emerged as one of Nigeria’s safest and fastest-growing economy under Governor Peter Mbah. Three years in, the administration’s narrative is shifting from laying foundations to scaling transformation, anchored on an audacious goal: a $30 billion economy by 2031.

The numbers back the ambition. Enugu’s 2026 budget stands at ₦1.62 trillion, a 66.5% jump from 2025. What’s striking isn’t just the size, but the structure. 80% of the budget, ₦1.296 trillion, is allocated to capital projects, breaking the recurrent-heavy spending pattern that has trapped most Nigerian states. The shift is powered by a surge in internally generated revenue. IGR contributes 51% of the 2026 budget, roughly ₦825.9 billion, cutting the state’s overdependence on federal allocations and giving Enugu more fiscal autonomy to execute its plans.

Security was the first wall Mbah’s team had to break. By tackling insecurity head-on, Enugu has become one of the safest states in the country, a prerequisite for investment. Phase 2 of the state’s surveillance system, budgeted at ₦11 billion, will deploy CCTV and searchlights at bus stops, junctions, and highways, all linked to a central command center. That sense of security has translated directly into investors confidence. In the last three years, Enugu secured over £500 million in foreign direct investment, with another £2 billion in the pipeline. The pitch to investors is simple: internal rate of return projections of 25-40% making Enugu one of the most competitive emerging-market destinations in Nigeria. The result is visible in the rankings, with the state climbing from 36th to 6th in Nigeria’s ease of doing business index. With the proposed coal power generation plant set to come on stream, more FDI inflows are expected.

Infrastructure has been the most visible proof point. The administration is pushing legacy road projects like the 40km Owo–Ubahu–Amankanu–Neke–Ikem Dual Carriageway, the Abakpa Nike–Ugwogo Nike–Ekwegbe–Opi–Nsukka Road, the Amodu–Akpugo–Akpawfu–Amagunze Road, and upgrades of Enugu–Abakaliki Expressway. The 2026 plan targets 1,200 urban roads and numerous rural roads, ensuring every LGA gets a major project. The goal is to eliminate the rural-urban connectivity gap that has stifled trade and access for decades.

Human capital and basic services are getting the same treatment. The 260 Smart Green Primary Schools and 260 Type-2 Primary Health Centers, one per ward, are nearing completion. Water supply is being revamped through the 9th Mile 24/7 Scheme, Ajali, and Oji River projects. These sit alongside a 10,000-hectare smart city development as a mixed-use commercial and residential hub. If delivered, the schools, health centers, and roads address two of Enugu’s longest-standing pain points: education access and connectivity.

The abandoned International Conference Center and the presidential hotel have been completed to position the state as a hub for regional and national events, tourism, and business summits. At the same time, construction of a state-of-the-art specialist hospital is underway to raise the standard of healthcare delivery and reduce medical tourism out of the state. These projects signal a push to build the kind of infrastructure that attracts investors, skilled professionals, and high-value events.

A less discussed but critical pillar is the revamp of ailing state-owned companies. For years, Enugu’s public enterprises existed mostly on paper, draining resources without delivering value. The Mbah administration is restructuring them for commercial viability and private sector participation, turning dormant assets into revenue-generating ventures, creating jobs, and reducing the burden on the state treasury. This aligns with the broader strategy of mobilizing private capital to complement public spending and accelerate GDP growth from the current ∼$4 billion toward the $30 billion target.

The administration’s boldest signal to the world is Enugu Air. Launched to position Enugu as a regional aviation and logistics hub, the airline plans to grow its fleet to 20 aircraft and expand operations beyond Nigeria by the end of 2026. It already connects the South to the North with daily flights between Enugu and Kano. Enugu is no longer content being a transit point. It has become a destination.

Three years in, the Mbah model is clear: spend on capital, not overhead; secure the state, then market it; and use data-driven incentives like high IRR projections to attract private capital. The risk is execution. Delivering 1,200 roads, functional smart schools, a modern hospital, a completed conference center, revived industries, and a functioning airline in one term is a heavy lift. But if even half of it lands, Enugu will have redefined what subnational governance can achieve in Nigeria.

A Spotlight on Enugu State by Nnolim Nnaji, A member of the House of Representatives

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By Emmanuel Agaji

Since the Rivers gubernatorial primary election was concluded so many things that are indescribable mounted the centre stage with the man Rep Kingsley Chinda in the eye of the storm.

In his usual stoic style of doing things the man Rep Chinda has moved on to issues that will help him galvanize the state into greater heights of excellence if elected governor next year.

Too much talk has never been part of him, the language he understands best even on the floor of the legislature is delivery not over stretched grammar that will not deliver his goal.

This largely contributed to his being voted the most meticulous lawmaker in the National Assembly in two different assemblies.

He delivers his motions and bills with the precision of a marksman targeting a long distance subject.

Rivers state is a microcosm of the entity known as Nigeria parading major ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta race but at this particular moment what the oil rich state needs is peace and stability not ethnic jingoism.

Going by the feelers from the State, Rep Chinda is largely seen as a good man who anchors everything he does on humanity laced with the glory of God.

He is not truly a quick tempered person as he tries to control this with maturity which made him one of the astute legislators in this clime.

As a legislator he asks diligent questions that will manifest what the legislature is seeking to deliver during its legislative business sessions.

This earned him the accolade of a truth seeker with the sole aim of correcting the wrongs of the past and deliver the goods from the corrections to the doorsteps of Nigerians.

If Rivers people really need a God fearing delivery man, it is OK Chinda who understands the mechanics of Rivers State delivery system as he has been part of the delivery system for more than 25 years.

As Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency Rep, he studied his people and discovered that the approach to use is to teach his people on how to fish rather than doling out bounties that ends at one meal.

He went into the drawing board and created ‘I win u Win’ program for both indigenes and non-indigenes of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency.

Between 2012 till date OK Chinda embarked on massive training of the residents across all sectors, from health care delivery, maritime, agro allied, IT training, scholarship scheme , purchase of JAMB forms scholarship for outstanding JAMB candidates, sewing, shoe making, empowerment for women, welding and skills acquisition in different trades including massive training of teachers across the constituency in both private and public schools.

In the understanding of this writer, this is corporate governance taken to the hilt as no segment is left out in all the sectors of the economy of the constituency. Here in Nigeria it’s called giving back to society.

The man Chinda is an unusual jinx breaker and a record smasher. As the Chairman of Public Accounts Committee, PAC one of the constitutionally recognized National Assembly committees he smashed all records.

Between 2015 and 2019 Chinda smashed all the records. First chairman to deliver two fully audited reports from 1999 till 2019. First committee chairman to make his committee e-compliant in Nigeria. Go and check the records!

Chinda has given back at the microcosm (Constituency level) at the macrocosm (State level) he would rejig the Rivers delivery system to the benefits of all Rivers people and ensure that peace remains his watchword in the Garden City of Nigeria.

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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

In the month of May, Nigerians witnessed increased political activities as all registered parties were in a frenzied mode to meet the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) for next year’s general elections. Parties, members and supporters were all involved, at different levels in the quest to stay relevant post-2027. Though party primaries were to be conducted for all elective positions and offices, that of Governorship was more competitive. With over 20 states chief executives seats due for elections in February 2027, the contests towards emerging respective parties candidates were charged. Scheming, intrigues, propaganda, and brinkmanship became regular currencies. At different stages of the process – consultations, screenings, and primaries – politicians had long, tortuous nights, days of meetings and sessions to out-do and out-wit their opponents. The scenarios played out across and around the country, as, sadly, governance took the backstage.

Being the party in government, the All Progressives Congress, (APC) witnessed fierce and feisty primaries; particularly for Governorship. This was expected. Many politicians migrated to the party to enhance their electoral fortunes. However, it must be reiterated that given the peculiarities and circumstances in their states, a few others had to defect to the APC. The governorship primaries were smooth  in a few states like Lagos, Borno, Enugu, Ogun, and Niger. It was muddy, dirty, and cobwebry in Bauchi, Kwara, Nassarawa, and Yobe – the last two states witnessed the entries of retired Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu, and Usman Baba; an emerging trend where former military, paramilitary, and law enforcement top-guns aspire for political positions. The deluge of intrigues in some other states dragged on till the end of the primaries.

Rivers was one of those states that generated the interests of not just party members but also many people. The political velocity was further increased by the preponderance of media blitz around the primaries and any matter about the state. On a regular basis, social media was replete with stories, largely unconfirmed about the primaries. It appeared as though the handlers of these platforms were engaged in unethical competition to defeat one another in the consistent release of salacious and beer parlour tales. Sadly, many unsuspecting and gullible readers fell for their antics as they took hook, line, and sinker these reports. In many ways, the spate of fictional scenes painted as news and happenings added to the anxiety and apprehensions of party members and the generality of people about the true situation regarding the APC governorship primaries.

Weeks and days to the primaries, there were layers of uncertainty, driven by gossip and hearsay across the state. Interestingly, just as the rumour mills thrived, top players in the political chess-game knew exactly the target. They stayed focussed, with eyes on the ball and avoided distractions. On the eve of the primaries, a few hours actually, the entire tensed atmosphere evaporated and simmered down. Like lightning, ‘tory change’ using a popular street phrase. In quick succession, one after the other three aspirants announced their withdrawal from the primaries – sighting peace, unity, and the interest of Rivers. Arc. Tonye Cole; Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the incumbent Governor; and Dr. Dakorisiye George-Kelly also pledged to support the party’s candidate. So, after the state-wide affirmation process held in all the 319 Wards of the 23 LGAs in Rivers, Rep. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda emerged the unopposed governorship candidate with a total votes haul of 268,497 as declared by the Returning Officer, Rt. Hon. Laori Bitrus Kwamoti.

According to reports, Chinda’s victory elicited spontaneous celebrations. Sir Felix Obuah, an APC chieftain and Senatorial candidate declared that, “our party has presented the best candidate for the governorship election.” For Chief Maxwell Green, an entrepreneur and politician, “APC now has a formidable chance of winning the Rivers State Governorship elections.” A communications consultant, Mr. Alphonsus Opara projected that, “Rivers is most likely to be won, for the first time since 1999 by a different party other than the PDP. Chinda is an experienced, dependable and reliable administrator.” A chieftain of one of the new parties who pleaded anonymity declared that, “without any pretence, his choice is a technical knockout to other governorship candidates…it will be almost impossible to defeat him.” Comrade Alali Thompson, a youth activist described Chinda as, “fit and proper for the position considering all he has contributed to the development of the state, and the people.”

A careful analysis of Chinda’s political odysseys and public service credentials, largely confirms this optimism and confidence. His near-three decades career spanning the private sector, the executive and legislative arms of government gives a massive boost to his aspirations. Also, it will impact positively on the wheels of governance in the state; as his broad experiences will be useful. Having served Rivers in the past as Commissioner for the Environment, Chinda, if he emerged Governor by February 2027 will not be a chief executive that will be learning the ropes. Rather, he will be expected to hit the ground running from the beginning. His long years of interfacing with the bureaucracy at the state and federal levels should smoothen the pace of governance. By May 2027, he would have grossed 16 years as a ranking and resourceful lawmaker; which will be a big plus for executive and legislative collaboration and relationships in Rivers. Over the years, even as a legislator whose core responsibilities are lawmaking and oversights, Chinda has embarked on programmes and initiatives – that falls under the purview of the executive – focussed on the general well-being of the people.

Through projects spanning different sectors, Chinda has consistently contributed to the personal development of his constituents and Rivers; in some ways. Realizing that education is the bedrock of development, he has numerous programmes across the Obio-Akpor federal constituency including construction of blocks of classrooms; distribution of desks and other learning materials; sponsorship of about 200 teachers for the University of Buckingham (UoB) International Diploma in Education; Adult Education scheme; training of science teachers on the use of AI and Robotics for capacity development; and many others. Given the effects of environmental degradation on the movement of goods and services, as well as vehicular traffic, he has completed over 20 roads in the constituency, as some others are at various stages of completion. Conscious of the strategic importance of power to economic activities and human development, he, regularly provides and installs transformers – of varied capacities – to many communities in the constituency. Solar street lights are also installed to help the safety of people within and around their neighborhoods.

Mindful of the prevailing health challenges vis-a-vis the inadequate health infrastructures in his constituency, Chinda has been involved in the  construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of some primary healthcare centres. Many people; from his constituency and beyond have benefitted from regular medical outreaches, which covers eye treatment, minor surgeries, management of medical issues, and general observations. Conscious of the importance of the informal and semi-formal sectors in driving meaningful development in the grassroots, numerous capacity building initiatives are regularly organized for women and youths. This includes training in agriculture, poultry,  fishing; hair dressing, interior decorations, make-up, beads making;  welding and other artisanal services; as well as maritime services. Mrs. Amarachi Ifeanyi, a Woman Leader and trader averred that, “people who are not even from Obio-Akpor have benefitted from these programmes. According to what we heard, Chinda believes everyone should be considered anytime he is doing something that will improve the lives of people.” Corroborating, Alhaji Isiaka Abdulganiyu, a transporter said, “some of the non-indigenes have given different empowerment tools to help their trades. A few of our drivers were given vehicles, and the man does not discriminate against us in any of his programmes.”

Indeed, the Governorship elections which will be held in about nine months, promises to bring some interesting scenarios. From the words on the streets of Rivers, and across Wards, communities, and LGAs, the chances of Chinda becoming the fifth Governor – of the “Treasurer Base” State –  in the 4th Republic are promising. Preliminary finding reveals that his public ratings, and that of the APC keeps increasing since he emerged as the party’s candidate. The confidence of the people on him is high, just as their expectations. No doubt, this itself, is a challenge – which many people believe Chinda knows, and is capable of meeting. As a chronicler of events, the writer’s focus will be on Rivers as events unfold between now and February 2027.

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.