Two years into his administration, Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah, has made another giant leap with the unveiling of the Enugu Air as part of efforts to generate employment and reposition the economy of the state, LAWRENCE NJOKU reports.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, is very resolute in his vision to lift the state from a $4.4 billion economy to a $30 billion economy. When he assumed office in 2023, he had told stakeholders that he would disrupt the mode of governance in the state with the aim of uplifting its economy for the benefit of the people.
Mbah had stated that part of the plan of his government was to revitalise all sectors of the state’s economy to make them more productive. So, when he presented the state’s 2025 N971 billion budget, christened “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity” in November last year, he had announced plans to acquire four new aircraft to float Enugu Air. The initiative was part of the N41.1 billion allocated to the transportation sector in the 2025 budget.
He had further announced that beyond the acquisition of the aircraft, the transportation sector budget would support the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and the development of an international cargo terminal, as part of efforts to ensure a robust aviation infrastructure.
To the delight of the people of the state, on July 7, this year, Enugu Air was unveiled with three Embraer airplanes and an inaugural flight taken. But the airline is being operated in partnership with XEJet, as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was yet to conclude the process of handing out its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to the state. The development meant that passengers would book their flights through the XEJet platform. However, observers have described the launch of Enugu Air as an ambitious effort to tap into the world of aviation to create jobs and career paths for young people of the state.
Mbah told those who gathered at the event that the achievement aligned with his administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a premier destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria. He stated that Enugu Air represented more than just an airline but a bold step in creating the right enablers for enterprise and opening up sectors that once felt of reach. He added that the successful launch of the airline signified the possibilities that could emerge when strategic public-private collaborations are nurtured.
“With our airline, we are opening doors to a sector that once felt out of reach. Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams, and today we take that first flight together,” he added.
Mbah, who also spoke about the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, stated that the plan was to make it more productive, stressing that the effort, which had received the blessings of the Federal Government and National Assembly, indicated that the government was not getting the required revenues running the place. He said that private firms would be engaged to run specific services.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who unveiled Enugu Air, described the commercial airline as “incredible”, while praising the governor for the foresight. He stated that with the drive, Enugu would play a major role as an international hub.
“It is an incredible vision you have here. Mr. President has said it himself. I am only reflecting what the president said. Beyond party lines, we should not be afraid to say it. You have a progressive spirit and you have done well for Enugu State. You are one of the best performing governors in Nigeria,” the minister stated.
The unveiling of Enugu Air is the first ambitious effort by any administration in the state to invest in the aviation sector since the state was created over 30 years ago and the existence of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
Coming after Ibom Air, wholly owned and operated by the Akwa Ibom State government, Enugu Air, it was gathered, would at the moment operate locally through the Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt routes, among others.
Mbah, however, pledged that “in the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, U. S., and other global business hubs.”
The state government’s exploration in the transport sector since the inception of the Mbah administration did not start with the launch of Enugu Air. In the past two years, the government has expended resources in the construction of modern bus terminals and the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.
Major motor parks in the state were demolished for the construction of modern bus terminals at the Holy Ghost motor park, Gariki motor park, Ninth Mile motor mark and the Nsukka motor park. It was gathered that the new bus terminals replacing these parks, which have neared completion, would soon be unveiled to the public.
The Guardian also learnt that the vision about the bus terminals is to build an Enugu Central Station made up of dual terminals, namely Terminal 1, which would focus on inter-state transportation and Terminal 2, which would carter to intra-city transportation as a way to give the state a face lift, create employment opportunities, decongest the roads, reduce criminal activities in the parks, ensure convenience of commuters and maintain easy interchange in the state’s transport system.
The successful unveiling of the Enugu Air has received commendations from diverse interests in the state, who insisted that Mbah has deepened the drive by his administration to transform the state’s economy.
Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelter Ltd, Arc. Chibuikem Onyekachi, while applauding the initiative, stated that it would stimulate economic activities and boost investor confidence across the Southeast region.
“This is not just about air travel; it is about strategic positioning. With Enugu now set to serve as a central hub linking major Nigerian cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, the ripple effects on commerce, tourism, and real estate will be significant. As a developer, I can foresee the new wave of infrastructural demand and opportunities this initiative will attract,” he stated.
Onyekachi noted that the commissioning of the Enugu Air was an indication that the governor “is not merely projecting dreams, but implementing plans with clarity and courage”, adding that, “this kind of initiative reflects a government that is attentive to the real needs of the people.”
A finance analyst, Dr. Joseph Nnaji, explained that with Enugu Air, it was becoming clearer that the $30 billion economy projection by the governor is possible.
“Now that there is Enugu Air, it will be generating revenues for the state government. This will be such that when the budget is being drawn, the government can comfortably make its projection from the sector. This is the way to go.
“Many had thought that the snag associated with Enugu being a civil service state was difficult for any other thing to happen here. With the way things are going, you could see that there are ventures that could thrive here without much stress.
“So for me, I think the greatest challenge at the moment is to make Enugu Air succeed. If the venture is sustained such that it can take care of its responsibilities and give back to the state, then the possibility of venturing into other areas would be there,” he stated.
To make the venture succeed, Nnaji noted that it must be run like a business even though it is a state government venture.
“It is generally believed that the government has no business in business; and that is what I think it should be. Those who use the airline (whether they are in government or have relation with government) should be made to pay for the service. It should also be made to face competition so as to test its efficiency and capability.
“Again, the relationship the operators are able to create with residents who fly daily would go a long way in sustaining what they are doing. It is not enough to unveil an airline; a strong and focused management is required to drive the vision of sustainability,” he added.
A civil rights advocate, Matthew Igwe, while commending the initiative, said he had doubted the idea when it was mooted during the presentation of the 2025 budget proposal by the governor.
He added: “But he has proven that he was not making empty promises with the unveiling of the airline. We are happy that the government is really diversifying. We can now trust that there will be revenue from Enugu Air, additional jobs for our people have been created and we are being repositioned to play in the international hub.
“I know that the state government, during the budget breakdown in December last year, earmarked N19 billion for provision of four aircraft for Enugu Air. Now, we have three; I am sure it will attract other opportunities for the state. With the improved road infrastructure, several hospitality facilities, stable power supply and improved security, the likelihood that Enugu will soon become a destination state is there.
“I will, however, appeal to the governor to look in the direction of low cost houses for the masses as well as reducing taxes being paid in the state. Now that his aspirations and visions are being realised, let him find ways of alleviating the situation of the poor masses by offering them accommodation at affordable rates. With that, it will bring down the cost of accommodation in the state.”
Enugu Air has come at a time when governments are looking inwards for improved internal revenue to enable them to pay less attention to federal allocation. With the way Mbah has operated since he assumed office, especially with anchoring his programmes on the private sector, it is hoped that he would take all necessary steps to make the airline to succeed and stand as a pride of the people of the state and Southeast as a whole.
