President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured leaders from Enugu State of stronger federal backing for key infrastructure projects, including a proposed rail connection linking Parako to Enugu — a project widely seen as vital to unlocking economic activity in the South-East.

The President gave the assurance on Tuesday while hosting a delegation led by Governor Peter Mbah at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During the meeting, Tinubu acknowledged the state’s long-standing demand for improved  federal infrastructure presence and said his administration would give it due attention.

He pointed to structural funding challenges as a major reason such projects have stalled in the past, noting that Nigeria has often tried to finance long-term infrastructure with short-term resources — a model he described as unsustainable.

Tinubu also used the opportunity to defend ongoing reforms in the power sector, taking a swipe at past policies he said failed to deliver stable electricity.

According to him, his administration is working to reverse those setbacks and build a more reliable system that supports economic growth.

In a lighter but pointed tone, the President urged the Enugu leadership to remain focused despite criticism, adding that progress often attracts resistance.

He further commended Mbah’s performance in the state, praising visible improvements across sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Tinubu described the governor as a results-driven leader and expressed confidence in the direction Enugu is heading.

Mbah, who recently aligned politically with the ruling party, led a high-profile delegation that included former governors, lawmakers, and other political stakeholders from the state.

He said the visit was both symbolic and strategic — a show of unity and support for the President’s broader economic vision.

The governor also expressed appreciation for the President’s previous visit to Enugu, noting that it marked a significant shift in federal engagement with the region.

According to him, projects commissioned during that visit have already begun to impact the state’s development trajectory.

Former Senate President Ken Nnamani, who was part of the delegation, echoed similar sentiments, commending both the President and the governor for their collaboration.

He added that the people of Enugu are optimistic about the future and are ready to support the administration’s efforts moving forward.

The meeting ended on a politically charged note, with assurances from the delegation that the state would stand firmly behind Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.