ENUGU, Nigeria — Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy, insisting that a return to the policy would undermine economic progress and discourage investment in Nigeria.
Mbah stated this on Wednesday during the “Meet the Candidates” town hall meeting organised by Afia TV in Enugu, where he also defended his administration’s performance, declaring that his government had delivered good governance across key sectors of the state.
The governor described the debate over reinstating fuel subsidy as unnecessary, warning that such a move could trigger economic instability, weaken investor confidence and worsen the country’s financial challenges.
“If you reintroduce fuel subsidy today, we will lose ten times whatever we are currently trying to gain in terms of the removal of subsidy,” he said.
According to Mbah, the government should instead focus on ensuring that the benefits of subsidy removal translate into improved living conditions, job creation and wealth generation for Nigerians.
He also urged the Federal Government to sustain policies that encourage private investment, noting that improvements in Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators had helped attract both foreign portfolio and direct investments.
Mbah argued that the former subsidy regime disproportionately benefited wealthy Nigerians, while the current approach provides an opportunity for the government to direct support towards vulnerable citizens.
He cited cash transfers and programmes designed to provide seed capital to 1,000 people per ward nationwide as examples of initiatives aimed at supporting low-income households and boosting economic productivity.
Mbah Highlights Enugu’s Development Projects
On his administration’s performance, the governor maintained that his government had remained committed to its campaign promises, citing projects and initiatives in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation and economic development.
He listed the renovation of Hotel Presidential, the International Conference Centre, Enugu Air, transport terminals, 268 Smart Green Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres among the achievements of his administration.
He also highlighted the International Hospital, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and investments involving Nigergas as part of efforts to transform the state.
Mbah said his administration was focused on building a more prosperous Enugu, with improved educational standards, better road networks, reliable electricity and expanded transportation options.
Looking ahead, he projected that the state could generate 660 megawatts of electricity and provide round-the-clock power supply, reducing the cost of running businesses and improving economic activities.
The governor also outlined plans for more affordable electricity, a proposed monorail system and expanded international air connectivity, describing them as part of his vision for the state’s future.
He urged residents to support the continuation of his administration’s development agenda, insisting that the progress recorded so far should be sustained.
“If these imaginations capture our fancy, then we have a duty to fight for it,” Mbah said, urging the electorate to ensure that the standards set by his government were maintained.
He added that his administration’s next phase would focus on consolidating existing achievements while pursuing further growth and development for Enugu State.
