By Nnamani Arinze Darlington

As Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah marks his second anniversary in office on May 29, 2025, Enugu State stands as a testament to visionary leadership and relentless progress. In just two years, Mbah, an accomplished entrepreneur, maritime lawyer, and financial expert, has redefined governance in the Coal City State, keeping faith in his ambitious promise to transform Enugu into a hub for investment, innovation, and quality living. With a bold target to grow the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031, Mbah’s administration has laid a solid foundation for sustainable development, earning him a place among Enugu’s most impactful governors. This article celebrates his remarkable achievements, showcasing why his leadership is a beacon of hope for Ndi Enugu and beyond.

A Leader Formed for Impact

Peter Mbah’s ascent to the governorship seat was not by accident. His illustrious career as the founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd. demonstrated his ability to turn vision into reality, while his tenure as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance under Governor Chimaroke Nnamani showcased his administrative prowess as a public servant. Armed with a law degree from the University of East London, a master’s in Maritime and Commercial Law, and an MBA from IESE Business School, Mbah brought a unique blend of intellect, experience, and pragmatism to Enugu’s leadership. His governance philosophy—centered on transparency, innovation, and inclusivity—has driven unprecedented progress in just two years.

Mbah’s Monumental Achievements

Governor Peter Mbah, the man behind the new enugu revolution, like Lee Kuan Yew, seems intent on reshaping Enugu State with similar foundational principles:

Since the assumption of office on May 29, 2023, Mbah had a new dawn of governance model. He is focused on health and education with its attendant projects that cut across 260 wards. Metaphorically, Mbah transcends the past, reinvents the present, and fast-forwards the future. His gubernatorial campaign tagline well articulated this: ‘Tomorrow is here’.

Many would recall that in his inaugural speech, Mbah reiterated his commitment to the people and his first assignment as governor was to sign an Executive Order, called the ‘Citizens’ Charter.’ it demands that he manages the people’s money, in the people’s interest. This Charter holds him and members of his team to account for the state’s funds and mandates him and his team to provide detailed information on public financial management.

It is on record that since his assumption of office, the governor has increased the state budget estimate from N166 billion inherited in 2023 to N521.5 billion in 2024. I’m that budget, N414.3 billion, representing 79 per cent of the entire budget, was earmarked for capital expenditure.

Education as a Cornerstone

Mbah is obsessed with revolutionizing education with the introduction of Smart Green Schools aiming to align with global standards and foster a knowledge-based economy, mirroring the educational reforms of Lee Kuan Yew.

Mbah is building a smart school across 260 wards, devoting 33 per cent of the Enugu budget to education. They are designed to build capacity, not just for the state, the country, and the African continent. Besides building the requisite human capital , which is the real wealth of a nation, this initiative prepares Enugu children to become global citizens. Mbah could not have a better vision for the future.

Thus, the Mbah Administration has, within 24 months, awarded the construction of 260 smart schools in the state’s 260 wards. This alone is an investment in education in each ward to the tune of about about N1.2 billion, meaning that a total sum of N312 billion has been awarded for the construction smart schools.

It is recalled that the state went further to allocate over 30 per cent of its N521.5bn 2024 budget and over 33 per cent of the N971bn 2025 budget to education. Enugu, under Mbah, has therefore consecutively made news as the highest in Nigeria in terms of education to budget ratio, beating the UNESCO recommendation of 15-20 percent of the public annual budget to fund education. This is rare in Africa, let alone Nigeria.

Each Smart Green School is a state-of-the-art structure, fully equipped with modern experiential tools with which the pupils from age 4 to JSS3, are taught robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, mechatronics, modern ICT and vocational skills, science and technology, mathematics, and other aspects of cognitive education. This will mould the Enugu child into a person of high modern and technological intellect to compete effectively in the global market. According to Mbah, the doors of the remaining 200 Smart Green Schools will be open to every child in Enugu free of charge by September 2025 as 60 has already been commissioned this year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the 4th of January 2025.

24 month as the executive governor of Enugu, Mbah stood his ground ruthlessly against criminals

Insecurity in Enugu was at its peak when Mbah took over the reins of power. Kidnappers were on the rampage. Non-state actors imposed a compulsory Monday sit-at-home on the people, and it was usual for gunmen to drive through several local government areas to launch death crusades in the city centre and still return safely to their abodes, living bodies of gunned down security agents in their trail. To stop this, Mbah banned sit-at-home, effective June 5 2023. Instructively, despite threatening fire and brimstone, the non-state actors have been unable to launch any attack on the state since that day till date, as the Mbah administration took drastic steps to curtail their excesses, deploying technology to fight crime.

Command and Control Centre:

The Enugu State Command and Control Centre is a logistical novelty built via Avant-garde innovation comparable to what exists in more advanced countries.

The Centre, equipped with AI-driven surveillance systems, and the vehicles, embedded with advanced communication tools, are part of the Enugu Safe City Project. This isn’t just about crime-fighting; it’s about creating a sense of safety that underpins economic activity. Real-time monitoring through thousands of CCTV cameras and rapid-response capabilities address a core urban challenge: insecurity stifles growth. The Inspector-General of Police and President Tinubu have both praised these efforts, noting their role in reducing crime and enabling development. The National Security Adviser’s, Nuhu Ribadu acknowledgment of reduced crime also validates these efforts.

This is crucial to the attainment of the governor’s ambition to grow Enugu State to become a $30 billion economy in the next 4-8 Years. Relies on this foundation, as investors and residents alike need assurance of stability.

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has made notable strides in transforming Enugu State’s transportation sector, focusing on modern infrastructure, eco-friendly solutions, and enhanced connectivity. His administration has prioritized projects like bus terminals,CNG buses, and the ambitious Enugu Air initiative to improve mobility, affordability, and economic growth in the state.

Bus Terminals

Mbah’s government has advanced the development of modern transport infrastructure, with the Enugu Modern Transport Interchange known as the Enugu Central Station as a flagship project. We also have the Nsukka Bus Terminal, Garriki Bus Terminal and Abakpa Bus Terminal. These state-of-the-art transport hub, located at Holy Ghost, aims to streamline commuting, reduce congestion, and boost economic activity. The interchange is designed to integrate cutting-edge facilities, offering comfort and efficiency for travelers and businesses. Additional bus terminals are being developed to support a cohesive public transport network across the state.

CNG Buses

To make transportation more affordable and environmentally sustainable, Mbah’s administration has introduced CNG-powered buses. The first batch of 200 buses has been rolled out, with plans to expand the fleet. These buses aim to ease movement within Enugu, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower transport costs for residents. The initiative also lifted the 6 PM to 9 PM commercial bus restriction, enabling 24/7 operations, which has improved accessibility and created job opportunities for youths.

Enugu Air

The launch of Enugu Air is a bold move to enhance connectivity and position Enugu as a regional hub. Mbah’s government acquired aircraft, making Enugu one of only three Nigerian states with a state owned airline. The initiative aims to reduce airfares, deepen competition, and boost tourism and business travel. By operationalizing the international and cargo wings of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu Air supports Mbah’s vision of making the state an investor-friendly destination, complementing infrastructure like the revived International Conference Centre and Presidential Hotel that was moribund over the years until Mbah’s inception where he breathe life into those abandoned assets.

These transportation projects align with Mbah’s goal to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in eight years. Improved transport infrastructure has attracted investors, created jobs, and enhanced security through better mobility for surveillance and patrols. The focus on sustainability, via CNG buses and modern terminals, also positions Enugu as a forward-thinking state. Mbah’s transportation reforms are reshaping Enugu’s landscape, making it more connected and economically vibrant for investors.

Enugu, Now an Investment Hub

The administration has attracted and sealed one investment after the other, both local and foreign. It sealed a N40bn deal with Jelfah Group in 2024 towards the revitalisation of the moribund Sunrise Flour Mills, N100bn deal with Pragmatic Palms Limited (of the Diamond Stripes Group) for the ongoing revitalisation of the Enugu’s United Palm Products Ltd. Not leaving out the deal with a Danish company known as ODK tractors, which target to assemble 1,200tractors in Enugu before the end of 2025 which will compliment on the Governor’s ambition of building 260 Farm Estate to fight food insecurity and create job opportunities. Only a few weeks ago, the administration entered into a partnership with the Landmark Africa Group to revitalise and reposition the Nike Lake Resort. Among many others.

260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres and 300 bed International Hospital

Mbah administration’s ongoing construction of the Primary Health Care facilities in the 260 electoral wards in the state, with 90 already completed and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and also the ongoing construction of Enugu 300 bed International hospital is an investment that will ensure the most sustainable pathway towards achieving health security and universal health coverage for the people of Enugu State. The governor’s massive investment in the health sector of the state has distinguished him from others as a pro-health governor with a strong political commitment for health.

Like the foremost world leader, lee kuan yew, Mbah revolution is unfolding, and its disruptive innovation has already been unleashed on the landscape. Things are changing and changing fast. Mbah is a dreamer who seems to turn the words of Liberia’s ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf upside down, that “if your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” The catch here is that Mbah’s dreams don’t scare him. They scare the Enugu people. He comes with a fierce sense of urgency to give meaning and energy to leadership and governance.

The New Enugu Smart City

Mbah’s flagship project, the New Enugu City, exemplifies forward-thinking urban planning. Spanning 10,000 hectares, The New Enugu City project is an urban development initiative under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, aimed at transforming Enugu State into a hub for business, investment, tourism, and modern living. Covering 9,730.204 hectares across five local government areas—Enugu South, Enugu East, Enugu North, Nkanu East, and Nkanu West—the project addresses the limitations of the existing Enugu City, which has struggled with congestion, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient urban planning since its establishment as a township in 1917.

The first phase, spanning 26 square kilometers, began in October 2023. The city will feature three distinct zones ;It’s designed to include dedicated power systems, central sewage, high-speed internet, and zoned areas like Happy Island for residential and recreational use, Vitality Bay for corporate headquarters, and Innovation Park for industrial and tech-driven ventures. This isn’t just about roads—though the 17km dual carriageways and feeder roads are critical—but about creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. The project’s timeline, with critical stages from its 2023 start, shows a focus on measurable progress over political rhetoric.The involvement of China Communications Construction Company, a leader in smart city technologies, is handling the construction. underscores the role of private-sector partnerships in scaling public infrastructure.

Infrastructure and Urban Renewal

Under Mbah’s leadership, Enugu has become a massive construction site, with dozens of urban and rural projects transforming the state. His administration has invested heavily in infrastructure, with a 2025 budget allocation of ₦213.12 billion for road construction and refurbishment. Key projects include the dualization of the Abakpa-Opi-Nsukka Road, the Enugu Airport to Ebonyi Border road, and the Owo-Amankanu-Ikem road, which opens up the state’s eastern flanks for economic development. The completion of the International Conference Centre (ICC) and a 5-star hotel are set to elevate Enugu’s status as a commercial and tourism hub.

Mbah’s fascinating and mesmerising performance has shown that Mbah does not just talk the talk; he walks the talk. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu signifies resilience, courage, exceptionality and exudes phenomenal traits of an extraordinary disruptor.

Mbah’s personal story of resilience—from working as a shop attendant at Alaba Market to building a business empire—resonates with Enugu’s youth, inspiring hope and ambition. His commitment to inclusive governance, exemplified by partnerships with generational groups, development partners, and the private sector, ensures that every citizen has a stake in Enugu’s progress.

Rating Mbah’s Leadership

On a scale of excellence, Governor Peter Mbah ranks among the finest governors in Enugu’s history. His administration’s achievements rival those of legendary leaders like Dr. Michael Okpara, whose legacy Mbah has consciously sought to emulate. Unlike incremental approaches, Mbah’s disruptive governance model has delivered rapid, impactful results, from Smart Schools to world-class healthcare and infrastructure. His ability to turn Enugu into a “massive construction site” while maintaining fiscal transparency and accountability sets him apart as a leader of unparalleled vision and competence.

As Mbah’s administration enters its third year, the governor remains unwavering in his commitment to making Enugu one of Nigeria’s top three states by GDP and achieving a zero percent poverty headcount index. With projects like the Enugu International Hospital, Smart Green Schools, and New Enugu City nearing completion, the state is poised for unprecedented growth. Mbah’s promise of “no slowing down” in 2025 reassures residents that the transformation witnessed so far is only the beginning.

His starling leadership performance in his previous public service had outstanding impact as Enugu’s commissioner for finance and economic development during Governor Chimaroke Nnamani’s tenure. As a testament to his contributions to Enugu’s fiscal operations through the strategy document he evolved, which became the operating template for the Enugu government’s development programmes, the NewsWatch magazine’s special publication of July 3, 2006, described Mbah as “a man ahead of his time.”

After that career in the public service, Mbah came back to Lagos and rented a one-room office on the mainland at Ahmed Onibudo Street, with himself, secretary and office assistant as staff. He built Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd from scratch. Here was a startup with a N1 million capital base that commenced active operations in 2008 from a one-room studio apartment in Lagos State, and within 14 years rose to the pole position as the market leader in the Nigerian downstream petroleum industry. That company not only controls 23% of the market today but is ahead of multinational conglomerate such as Texaco, Conoil, Mobil, and other majors. Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd’s net worth is now in excess of one billion US dollars.

Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is an embodiment of competence, innovative and disruptive ideas made for critical times like this when the economy and security of the region and country is in need for critical thinkers. His disposition, character and values with his resilient and astounding dreams, goals and visions for Enugu State have continued to radiate beyond the state.

Mbah is a legendary achiever with a track record of goodwill, geniality and benevolence. This is why when Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah assured Ndị Enugu that he will grow the state’s economy exponentially from $4.4billion to $30 billion; when he says he will build over 10,000 km of roads; when he says he will make Enugu the most secure state in the country; when he says he will eradicate poverty and engender agric and agro-allied revolution, we were easily convinced because he is not only well prepared, but also comes with realistic and pragmatic antecedents of doing things radically differently with humongous results.

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s two years in office have transformed Enugu State into a model of progress and possibility. His achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and economic growth reflect a rare blend of vision, competence, and empathy. As Enugu shines as a beacon of hope, Mbah’s legacy, as one of the state’s greatest governors, is firmly established. Ndi Enugu can look forward to a future where prosperity and opportunity define their homeland, thanks to a leader who delivers on his promises.

• Nnamani is a Special Assistant to the Governor on Media.