Way before the gubernatorial election in 2023, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah had envisioned what he was aspiring to do as governor. During his electioneering campaign, he promised the people of Enugu State a new kind of governance that would benefit them all. A businessman, who knows the secret of success, Mbah had promised to make Enugu an investor-haven and to grow the state’s economy from a paltry $4.4bn to $30bn in four to eight years.
Upon assumption of office, he began to wage war against everything that could inhibit the realisation of that dream.
Within a short time, he has made a statement in security, agriculture, health, infrastructure, among others.
This time around, he has set eye to positioning the state as a potential tourism destination with investments in huge infrastructure to host international conferences.
The Enugu International Conference Centre that was abandoned for several years has been completed. There is also a hotel coming up beside the International Conference Centre too. An abandoned hospital close to the Conference Centre is also getting some attention. The long-abandoned Presidential Hotel is suddenly ready for business. Mbah is also providing new bus stations in a bid to resurrect big bus transits within Enugu. Roads are springing up in places that no one dreamed would see such soon.
Most recently, the acquisition of aircraft in preparation for the launch of Enugu Air, has made Nigerians commend the bold steps of the governor to put the state on the global map.
The acquisition of the first aircraft is part of plans the state has to purchase four airplanes at a cost of N41.13 billion, making it one of only three states in the country to own airlines, alongside Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
Enugu Air is intended to enhance connectivity between the state and other parts of Nigeria, as well as potentially international destinations like Europe. This improved air access aims to address travel challenges faced by passengers flying into and out of Enugu, positioning the state as a key aviation hub in the South East geo-political zone.
Additionally, the airline is expected to boost inbound tourism, facilitate trade, and drive economic growth by creating employment opportunities in the aviation sector and supporting related industries such as agriculture and cargo transport.
“I need to commend the Enugu State Governor. We have seen some giant strides he has made. Even the hotels that were abandoned for a long time have been renovated. The governor has improved tourism around Enugu. He has stopped the Monday sit-at-home within the city. All he is doing is to build confidence in people coming into Enugu State,” Olumide Ohunayo, industry analyst and director, Research, Zenith Travels, told BDSunDay.
Ohunayo said that the governor has been able to ensure Enugu has potential for tourism development.
He also said that while the new airline has yet to secure an Air Operating Certificate (AOC), the Enugu State government is preparing the minds of Enugu people and other Nigerians that the airline will soon commence operations.
Ohunayo described the airline as “a beautiful addition to aviation’s domestic market.”
He however, advised the governor to lease out the aircraft to operate into Enugu and help stabilise airfares while the state awaits its AOC.
An average one-way economy class ticket from Lagos to Enugu State costs between N130,000 and N200,000 depending on the airline and the time the flight is booked.
Stakeholders are optimistic that the new airline will reduce air fares and deepen competition among airlines operating into the state.
Susan Akporaiye, managing director and CEO, Topaz Travels and Tours and former president of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), said that infrastructure is one of the major things that boosts tourism in any state; she however, pointed out that infrastructure alone was not enough.
Akporaiye said that in addition to infrastructure, tourism products were needed to boost tourism.
“We still need to be able to identify the tourism products in Enugu State, package them and sell them. We have to make the tourism product sellable to both local and international consumers. This is when the state will see what tourism can do for them. Enugu State airline is a step in the right direction. With the international conference centre, a lot of events will be hosted in the state.
“Because of this international conference centre and hotels coming up, the state is positioning itself for Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition (MICE). We are still watching to see what they have for tourism. I’m happy with what the governor is doing. He seems to be focused and knows what he wants,” she explained.
Enugu State is currently undertaking a major infrastructure push, including the construction of 141 urban roads, the development of a new smart city project, and a $100 million water infrastructure project with Austrian investors.
The Enugu State government approved N183 billion for the construction of 141 roads across Enugu metropolis and 20 rural roads across the three senatorial zones. The state completed several key road projects that have improved the city’s infrastructure and travel experiences, including Damija Road by GRA, Road to Golf Estate, New Heaven by Phone Village, College Road in Abakpa, Premier Layout, and Odudukoko Street in Garki.
New Enugu City Project include the construction of Abakpa T Junction Flyover, Abakpa Nike Road, 9th Mile Internal Roads Stretch to Ekochin, $100 million water project, sustainable Last Mile Connectivity and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) amongst others.
Seyi Adewale, chief executive officer of Mainstream Cargo Limited, said the recent investment in infrastructure would definitely boost local tourism.
“The ‘cherry’ in the Peter Mbah’s administration tourism plan appears to be the International Conference Centre and this is a good strategy. As of today, there are only two notable international conference centres in Nigeria: Lagos and Abuja. So, it’s veritable to have another one in the South East.
“The Enugu Government in my opinion is building a story and an experience around this centre that includes security, efficiency, hospitality, and transportation,” Adewale said.
He also said that if the overall plan and strategy were coordinated and implemented well, it most certainly would bring new business tourism to Enugu within the country and other African countries specifically.
He however, noted that the administration may need to partner reputable international travel and tourism agents to market it with good incentives since they will be competing with other international conference centres in other African countries such as those in Kigali, Johannesburg, Cairo, and Marrakech.
