The Enugu State Government has set aside ₦10 billion in its 2026 budget as equity contribution for the first phase of a 135.5km standard gauge rail line.
Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Enugu.
Governor Peter Mbah had earlier presented a ₦1.62 trillion “Budget of Renewed Momentum” to the State House of Assembly on December 2. The figure represents a record for the South East and a 66.5% increase over the revised ₦971 billion 2025 budget.
The new budget allocates ₦1.3 trillion to capital expenditure, accounting for 80% of the total, while recurrent expenditure stands at ₦321.2 billion, or 20%.
Ozongwu explained that the rail project aligns with Governor Mbah’s campaign promise to build a multimodal transport system combining rail, tram, and inland water services to complement road networks.
The rail line is designed to connect neighbouring states, enhancing regional integration across the South East.
In aviation, the government plans to expand Enugu Air’s fleet from six aircraft to 20 by the end of 2025. The airline, launched in July 2025 with three planes, has already proven profitable. Ozongwu noted that three more aircraft will be added before year’s end.
The state also earmarked ₦10 billion for equity contribution to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport concession, part of Mbah’s vision to position Enugu as a West African aviation and logistics hub.
Youth Empowerment and Security
Another ₦10 billion has been allocated to a vehicle manufacturing programme that will assemble 2,100 taxis in Enugu.
These vehicles will support the administration’s youth empowerment scheme and the Distress Response Squad (DRS), the state’s special police unit.
Ozongwu expressed confidence that the 2026 budget will outperform 2025. He said Mbah’s private-sector approach is driving growth: “Human life is one of improvements. We achieved about 85 per cent of our performance and it is almost likely that we will continue in that same trajectory to move this state to 90 per cent performance.”
He added: “We have the indices to do that. We have the personnel, the acumen and ready to raise the money to do that. Expect better performance next year.”
The commissioner urged investors to take advantage of the state’s momentum: “So, something is going on in this state. It is a feel-good factor. Come to Enugu and invest because your investment is going to be protected, your returns are going to be wonderful. Join us and be part of this success story.”
With ambitious rail, aviation, and road projects, Enugu is positioning itself as a transport and economic hub.
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