By PETER MBAH

It is often said that when you arrive in a great city for the first time, before you see its tallest building or its finest restaurant, before you even hear its music or taste its food, you notice its transport system. The way a city moves tells you how it thinks, works, and cares for its people. In many ways, transport is the heartbeat of civilisation, and if the heartbeat is strong, the body thrives.

About two years ago, this location was practically a synonym for chaotic traffic and general disorderliness. Aside from the fact it constituted a major municipal blight, we knew we could not attain our audacious economic goals if we lacked an efficient public transport system that offered both comfort and dignity. We knew that our goal to make Enugu the most livable city in Nigeria will be a futile bid, if we were unable to tackle problems such as persistent traffic gridlock.

Governor Peter Mbah

So, from the very first day of this administration, we made a promise: to build a world-class transport system that moves people, connects businesses and communities, and, crucially, that rightfully positions Enugu State as a model of modern governance, sustainable growth, and human dignity.
Today’s commissioning of the newly completed world-class terminals and the CNG Bus Mass Transit Scheme is indeed, beyond a ribbon-cutting exercise. It ushers in a whole new experience; fundamentally connecting our vision to action, and our action to the daily lives of the over seven million residents of Enugu State. It is about ensuring the people commute in dignity and comfort.

It is a key part of our integrated five-terminal Transport Infrastructure Project’s Phase 1: Holy Ghost Terminal 1 (Enugu Central Station 1) – designated for interstate transport; Holy Ghost Terminal 2 (Enugu Central Station 2) for intercity transport; Gariki Terminal (Gariki Central Station); Abakpa Terminal (Abakpa Central Station); and Nsukka Terminal (Nsukka Central Station). Today, these terminals stand as inspiring reminders of the power of vision.

The Holy Ghost/Ogbete axis is the heartbeat of Enugu’s urban mobility. With over 50% of the city’s commuter traffic passing through here daily, its transformation signals our commitment to world-class standards. By modernising the area, we are creating a downtown experience that will anchor business, tourism, and urban renewal. The completion of these facilities teaches us that true development might yield some discomfort. But it always creates an outcome that benefits all.

Alongside the CNG Rapid Bus Service (Mass Transit Scheme), these terminals are central pillars of our transport agenda – a multimodal highway to the future – integrating road, rail, air, and waterways into one seamless, safe, and efficient ecosystem.

With regard to roads, we have rehabilitated, built and expanded critical routes, improved junctions, and opened new corridors that connect communities and markets.

In aviation, we have launched Enugu Air and secured strategic partnerships to strengthen our position as a regional aviation hub.

We have advanced discussions in rail to reconnect Enugu State to the regional and national rail grids for cheaper, faster freight and passenger movement.

With waterways, we are exploring viable inland water transport routes to boost trade and tourism.

The thrill that these projects give is beyond sheer aesthetic delight. They are engines of economic revival. They represent our capacity to deliver projects that empower Ndi Enugu and set our state on a robust trajectory of growth.

Our vision for these projects was clear: to create a modern, integrated transport system that will spur economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall standard of living. By enhancing connectivity within Enugu State and beyond, we are laying the foundation for a more vibrant and competitive economy. This will, ultimately, make Enugu a gateway to economic opportunities.

Last month, we witnessed the inaugural flight of Enugu Air, a significant economic enabler conceived to move us closer to the goal of making Enugu the premier destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria.

Infrastructure, particularly transport, remains a catalyst for economic transformation. From the farmer in Nsukka to the trader in Ogbete, from the manufacturer in Emene to the investor in Enugu CBD, opportunities will multiply.

Already, this project is creating jobs, stimulating SMEs, and positioning Enugu to compete with Africa’s best. Through it, we are creating over 20,000 jobs across BRT, 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing and support services.

This CNG rollout begins with the first 100 buses serving our markets and neighbourhoods, especially for all Enugu students, because our state is a city of universities, polytechnics, and colleges.
Dedicated routes will connect campuses with major residential and commercial areas, ensuring a safer, more reliable, and more affordable travel for students.

With special student discounts, as well as reduced fares for the elderly and young children, we are making sure our transport system is inclusive, equitable, and supportive of education. Remarkably, this will reduce transport costs for the average family by over 40%.

Comfort and safety are irreducible minimums on which modern public transport is built. Our multi-modal transport system ticks all the boxes. The way a city organises its transport, to a large extent indicates how it organises its society.

In Enugu, we are showing the world that we value safety, order, and accountability. We have carried out a state-wide biometric capture of commercial vehicle owners and drivers. This initiative has strengthened our data intelligence, making it easier to identify and track operators, and has already contributed to reducing transport-related crimes.

We have integrated our transport system into the State’s security framework. The Command and Control Centre, equipped with surveillance cameras installed in strategic locations across Enugu, ensures that our streets, terminals, and junctions remain under constant watch — providing both a guide and a guard for our people.

Our cashless e-ticketing system eliminates leakages, guarantees transparency, and ensures every payment is accounted for. Commuters simply need to purchase a ticket and top-up as they find suitable. Remarkably, a single valid ticket grants the holder access to other buses.

Again, our comprehensive insurance coverage protects both the assets and the people who use them. Our 80 bus shelters (to be clearly marked with arrival time), lay-bys, and junction improvement projects mean passengers and commuters travel with more comfort, dignity, and safety.

I am proud to announce that Enugu is the first State in Nigeria to proactively adopt and implement a State Climate Action Policy in line with national and global goals. The CNG Mass Transit Scheme we commission today is a major step in that direction – cutting carbon emissions, reducing dependence on petrol, and lowering transport costs for Ndi Enugu. We are proving that environmental responsibility and economic growth can complement each other.

There is often a common flaw in our nature as humans; it is the tendency to quickly forget the previous state of things once situations improve. Building these facilities required grit, sacrifice, painstaking patience, collaboration and support.
These projects would not have been possible, barring the bold decision taken by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to remove oil subsidies. This policy – and several other well-thought actions – has ensured that developments such as we are witnessing was possible. It is indeed remarkable that the President understands that much of the economic activities that will spur Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy would come from the states.
He has demonstrated this, through the recent launch of the WARD Development Project, an idea conceived to create 8.8 million jobs across the 8,800 wards in Nigeria. It is obvious His Excellency, the President is committed to grassroots development – just as we are in Enugu State.

Through words and deeds, the President has demonstrated a sincere love and support towards Enugu’s and indeed the South East’s progress. An example is the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which would clearly re-position Enugu as an aviation and economic hub. So, we commend the President, and will continue to support him and the Federal Government, because no administration has given as much support to the sub-nationals as this President has done.
This is also an auspicious moment to thank Mr. President for his recent appointment of one of our sons as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

I wish to acknowledge and thank, as well: the transport operators, unions, market leaders and the business community. And all good men and women, who responded to the call for development, and partnered with the State to see the success of today.

I should also commend the Commissioner for Transport and his team for their hardwork and resilience. Change is never easy, but the benefits are often generally felt. Today, as we commission these terminals, we recommit to our promise: to build modern, efficient systems that serve the people, unlock economic potential, and extend the frontiers of development.

Our Transport Infrastructure Project is a legacy that will be remembered by future generations as one of several turning points in the history of Enugu State. This moment is about the Enugu of tomorrow; it reflects our resolve to grow our economy seven-fold. This is what enabling environment looks like.
We will continue to build and deliver world-class infrastructure. And together, we will make Enugu a premier destination with global reckoning.

Tomorrow is here!

Being Governor Mbah’s speech at the launch of five modern transport terminals and 100 CNG buses in Enugu, recently.

THE ADVOCATE Editorial Insights 

Illegal migration from Africa to Europe remains a pressing issue as thousands of young Africans risk their lives in search of better opportunities. While economic hardship, political instability, and lack of opportunities push people to leave, the dangers of illegal migration are often underestimated. This article delves deeper into the dangers of illegal migration and outlines practical ways to curb this growing trend.

The Dangers of Illegal Migration

1.Deadly Transit Routes

Illegal migrants often take perilous routes, such as crossing the Sahara Desert or the Mediterranean Sea.

•Sahara Desert: Temperatures in the desert can exceed 50°C, leading to dehydration and death. Many migrants die from exhaustion, lack of water, or attacks by bandits.

•Mediterranean Sea: Migrants board overcrowded and unseaworthy boats, often leading to capsizing. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 2,000 deaths were recorded in the Mediterranean in 2024 alone.

Illegal African migrants crossing the Mediterranean sea to Europe in an overcrowded boat

2.Exploitation by Human Traffickers

Human traffickers exploit the desperation of migrants, charging exorbitant fees for unsafe journeys. Migrants are often subjected to:

•Physical abuse.

•Forced labor.

•Sexual exploitation, particularly for women and girls.

3.Detention and Deportation

Upon arrival, many illegal migrants are detained in overcrowded detention centers. These centers are often described as inhumane, with reports of physical abuse and lack of basic necessities. Some are deported back to their home countries, often in worse conditions than when they left.

4.Economic and Emotional Consequences

•For Migrants: The financial burden of illegal migration leaves many families in debt, as they sell properties to fund their loved ones’ journeys.

•For Families: Families left behind often face emotional trauma, especially when they lose loved ones to the journey.

•For Communities: The loss of young, able-bodied individuals contributes to brain drain, stifling economic growth in Africa.

5.Discrimination and Marginalization in Europe

Illegal migrants face cultural barriers, discrimination, and exploitation in Europe. Without legal status, they often take low-paying jobs under poor working conditions, struggling to survive in foreign lands.

How to Curb Illegal Migration

1.Addressing Root Causes

African governments must tackle the factors driving migration:

•Job Creation: Investing in industries like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing can create job opportunities for young people.

•Education and Skills Development: Equipping youth with marketable skills can reduce the allure of migration.

•Good Governance: Addressing corruption, ensuring political stability, and protecting human rights can make Africa a more livable continent.

158 irregular Nigerian migrants repatriated from Libya in July 2024

2.Public Awareness Campaigns

Governments, media outlets, and NGOs should educate citizens on:

•The dangers of illegal migration.

•The realities of life in Europe for undocumented migrants.

•The importance of pursuing legal migration options.

3.Strengthening Border Controls and Cooperation

African and European governments must collaborate to:

•Combat human trafficking networks.

•Improve border security to reduce illegal crossings.

•Develop frameworks for legal migration, including work visas and student exchanges.

4.Promoting Local Opportunities

International organizations can partner with African nations to support initiatives such as:

•Entrepreneurship training and funding.

•Access to microloans for small businesses.

•Encouraging the African diaspora to invest in their home countries.

5.Enhancing Regional Collaboration

Regional bodies like the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS can:

•Develop policies that promote economic integration.

•Encourage intra-Africa migration to create opportunities within the continent.

Conclusion

Illegal migration from Africa to Europe is a complex issue with devastating consequences. While the pursuit of greener pastures is natural, the risks of unplanned and illegal migration far outweigh the potential benefits. Governments, communities, and individuals must work together to create opportunities at home and educate young people about safer, legal alternatives.

Africa’s strength lies in its youth. By investing in them and addressing migration challenges, the continent can unlock its vast potential and pave the way for a brighter future.