In a major step toward economic transformation, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Thursday inaugurated the Enugu State Ease-of-Doing-Business Council, signaling a bold move to scale up the state’s economy from its current $4.4 billion to a targeted $30 billion.
The 25-member council, chaired by Governor Mbah himself, is a strategic vehicle designed to foster investment growth, improve the business climate, and reposition Enugu as a competitive hub for commerce, tourism, and living standards in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Speaking at the Government House during the council’s inauguration, Mbah emphasized the importance of private investment in achieving the state’s ambitious economic vision. “Investors are not driven by charity; they follow returns. Our duty is to make Enugu the most attractive place to invest in Nigeria,” he said.
The council, according to the governor, is rooted in Executive Order 005, signed immediately after he assumed office, which outlines comprehensive reforms to enhance the ease of doing business in the state.
Governor Mbah highlighted that his administration has already taken bold steps to eliminate bottlenecks and fast-track investor engagement. These include the establishment of the Enugu State Geographic Information Systems (ENGIS) to streamline access to land, the creation of a one-stop shop for business permits and licenses, and significant investments in modern security and digital infrastructure.
“We are not paying lip service to development. From transport to broadband internet and skilled manpower, we are rebuilding the foundation for a thriving private sector,” Mbah noted.
Security—often a deal-breaker for investors—has also been prioritized. The state has deployed a robust security architecture that combines technology and manpower to ensure the safety of people and assets.
The initiative has received widespread acclaim from the business community. Dr. Eric Chime, 2nd Deputy President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ECCIMA), lauded the council as a “game-changer.”
“Enugu is fast becoming the safest and most organized destination for investment in Nigeria. The government has done its part—our role as stakeholders is to market this environment to investors far and wide,” Chime said.
Similarly, the President of the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Barr. Sam Otobueze, praised the move as timely and visionary. “The global economy is evolving, and states that can attract and retain businesses will thrive. Enugu is ready to be on the world map,” he added.
The council is expected to play a critical advisory and implementation role in aligning Enugu’s policies with global best practices. Its mandate covers improving regulatory frameworks, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and integrating local businesses into national and international value chains.
Experts say the state’s bold $30 billion economic aspiration is achievable if current momentum is sustained. A mix of infrastructure development, transparent governance, and consistent stakeholder engagement is seen as key to unlocking this potential.
Governor Mbah’s administration is positioning Enugu for an economic leap that could redefine its role in Nigeria’s development landscape. As the state activates its Ease-of-Doing-Business Council, attention will be on how effectively the policies are implemented to attract foreign direct investment, spur local entrepreneurship, and lift millions out of poverty.
With the private sector on board and reforms already taking shape, Enugu State may soon emerge as a beacon of sub-national economic excellence.