Enugu Inaugurates Council to Drive $30 Billion Economy

Enugu State has launched a bold initiative aimed at transforming its economy from $4.4 billion to an ambitious $30 billion target. This step came with the inauguration of the Enugu State Ease-of-Doing-Business Council, a 25-member body tasked with creating a more investor-friendly environment and accelerating economic growth across the state.

Governor Peter Mbah, who led the inauguration on May 22, 2025, at the Government House in Enugu, emphasized the council’s critical role in fostering private sector investment. He underlined the administration’s commitment to repositioning Enugu as a prime destination for business, tourism, and living. According to him, investors naturally gravitate towards regions that provide a conducive environment and promising returns on their investments.

The creation of the Ease-of-Doing-Business Council is a strategic move to tackle barriers that have historically limited economic expansion in the state. Governor Mbah chairs the council himself, underscoring the administration’s hands-on approach to this priority. The council is designed to oversee and coordinate reforms that simplify business processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and improve infrastructure to attract local and foreign investments.

Key initiatives supporting this agenda include the Enugu State Geographic Information Systems (ENGIS), which streamlines access to land and property transactions—often a major hurdle for investors. By digitizing land records and making them easily accessible, ENGIS helps cut down delays and uncertainties that discourage investment in real estate and industrial projects.

Another vital component is the One-Stop Permit Processing Center. This facility centralizes the issuance of business permits and licenses, significantly reducing the time and complexity businesses face when trying to operate legally in the state. Faster processing times mean that entrepreneurs and companies can commence operations swiftly, improving the overall ease of doing business.

Infrastructure development remains a core focus area. The state government is investing heavily in modern security infrastructure to ensure safety, upgrading transportation networks to facilitate smooth movement of goods and people, and enhancing digital infrastructure to support the growing demand for technology-driven services. In addition, the administration is prioritizing the development of skilled manpower to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.

The establishment of the council and these reforms have received wide acclaim from key stakeholders. The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture has expressed strong support for the initiative. Dr. Eric Chime, representing the chamber, described the council as a catalyst that would boost investor confidence and attract more business activities to the state. He praised the government’s efforts in improving security and technological infrastructure, calling Enugu a safe and promising investment destination.

Similarly, Barrister Sam Otobueze, President of the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, applauded the alignment of Enugu’s economic policies with global best practices. He noted that this alignment would increase the state’s competitiveness, drawing more international investors and opening new economic opportunities.

The council’s work is part of a broader vision to diversify Enugu’s economy beyond traditional sectors like agriculture and mining. By encouraging entrepreneurship and investment across manufacturing, services, and technology sectors, the state aims to create jobs, increase productivity, and boost economic output.

This economic transformation is expected to have far-reaching impacts. Besides increasing government revenue, it will stimulate infrastructure development, improve living standards, and reduce poverty. Job creation is a particularly crucial benefit, as more businesses establish operations and require a skilled workforce. The council also hopes to foster innovation and attract startups by creating an enabling environment that nurtures new ideas and technologies.

Governor Mbah has been vocal about his administration’s resolve to implement policies that make doing business easier, quicker, and more transparent. The Ease-of-Doing-Business Council serves as the institutional framework to ensure these policies are effectively coordinated and monitored.

The council is set to work closely with various government agencies, private sector groups, and development partners to harmonize efforts and avoid duplication. Regular feedback mechanisms are planned to engage entrepreneurs and investors, allowing the council to address challenges promptly and refine strategies based on real-world experiences.

Looking ahead, the success of this initiative will largely depend on sustained political will, efficient execution of reforms, and continuous stakeholder engagement. If managed well, Enugu’s $30 billion economic target could become a reality within the foreseeable future, positioning the state as one of Nigeria’s leading economic hubs.

 

In summary, Enugu State’s inauguration of the Ease-of-Doing-Business Council marks a critical milestone in its economic development journey. By fostering a business-friendly environment through innovative reforms and infrastructure investments, the state aims to attract significant private investment and transform its economy dramatically. This effort promises increased employment, enhanced economic activities, and improved quality of life for its citizens, setting a blueprint that other states might follow in driving sustainable economic growth.