In a groundbreaking move, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has unveiled a bold ₦971 billion budget for 2025, dubbed the “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity”.
The unprecedented financial plan not only sets a record in the state’s history but also positions Enugu as a model for strategic fiscal management and transformative development in Nigeria.
Governor Mbah’s administration has achieved a remarkable 240% increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) within just one year. Enugu’s IGR rose from ₦26 billion in 2022 and ₦37 billion in 2023 to an impressive ₦144 billion in 2024, with projections to exceed ₦200 billion by the end of 2025.
The feat places Enugu among Nigeria’s top-performing states, drawing parallels to Lagos under former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who similarly revolutionised revenue generation.
The 2025 budget reflects Governor Mbah’s commitment to financial discipline and strategic investment. Recurrent expenditures have been slashed from ₦133.1 billion to ₦107.2 billion, saving the state nearly ₦30 billion. With capital expenditures prioritized, the budget focuses on critical sectors such as education, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
Governor Mbah’s administration has allocated an extraordinary ₦320.6 billion—over one-third of the budget—to education, marking it as the largest sectoral allocation for the second consecutive year. Central to this initiative is the Enugu Smart Schools project, a ₦155 billion plan to construct 260 state-of-the-art schools across the state.
The transformative initiative, executed in partnership with top developers like Sujimoto Constructions, underscores the administration’s commitment to equipping the next generation with cutting-edge educational infrastructure.
With ₦213.1 billion allocated to works and infrastructure, the 2025 budget includes ambitious projects such as constructing an international cargo terminal, acquiring four new aircraft, and reopening the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. These developments aim to eliminate the need for Igbo traders to transit through Lagos or Abuja, fostering economic convenience and regional empowerment.
Healthcare funding has received a significant boost, with ₦45.8 billion allocated—a fourfold increase from 2024’s ₦11 billion. The investment aims to ensure universal access to quality healthcare, laying the foundation for a healthier and more productive population.
Recognising the importance of agriculture, the state has earmarked ₦82.3 billion for agro-industrialization. This initiative seeks to position Enugu as the food basket of the southeast, ensuring food security and economic growth.
Governor Mbah’s private-sector experience shines through in his governance. His pragmatic and innovative approach has earned him the reputation of a “Talk and Do” leader. The 2025 budget underscores his vision of transforming Enugu into a hub of innovation and commerce, akin to Lagos. Strategic investments in housing, urbanization, digitalized healthcare, tourism, and aviation are set to propel Enugu into the ranks of Nigeria’s most economically vibrant states.
As Governor Mbah continues to reshape Enugu’s economic landscape, his ambitious plans have drawn attention across Nigeria and beyond. With strategic planning and execution, Enugu is on track to become a thriving hub of development and innovation by 2030, cementing its place as a beacon of progress for Igboland, Nigeria, and Africa.
The audacious ₦971 billion budget is more than a financial plan—it’s a blueprint for transformative growth, setting a new standard for governance and public service in Nigeria.
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