Enugu, Nigeria — The Enugu State Government has approved a substantial budget of N183 billion for infrastructure development, including the construction of 141 urban roads and 20 rural roads across the state. Additionally, the government has greenlit the establishment of 133 new smart schools, bringing the total to 260, with plans for one smart school per political ward.
Governor Peter Mbah announced these initiatives following a state Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Enugu on Sunday. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized that these projects align with Mbah’s broader vision of transforming Enugu State’s economy and positioning it as a leading destination for business, investment, tourism, and living.
The state’s current total budget, which previously ranged between N100 billion and N120 billion with a capital expenditure ratio of about 25-35%, has been substantially increased. Governor Mbah proposed a record N521.5 billion budget for 2024, with capital expenditure totaling over N400 billion. This represents an unprecedented capital expenditure ratio of about 80% and a recurrent expenditure ratio of approximately 20%.
“The focus of today’s Executive Council meeting was on infrastructure,” said Onyia. “Last year, we initiated 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads. Now, we are expanding to 141 urban roads and 20 rural roads. This marks a significant increase in our infrastructure investment.”
The road construction projects include major routes such as the dualization of the 41.3km Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, the Penocks Junction-Nike Lake Road, and the Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara Road with associated bridges. Rural roads will cover areas including Iheaka-Ibagwa Road and Amagunze-Ihuokpara-Ugbawka Road.
The government also reported progress in its agricultural and agro-industrial initiatives. Nearly 200,000 hectares have been allocated to agricultural purposes, with leases granted to various companies for crop cultivation and industrial development. The state has also undertaken the development of the long-moribund Songhai Farms Heneke by Britednuel Agro Limited.
Additionally, ongoing projects include the construction of a biotechnology industrial park and support for the federal government’s cassava to bioethanol value chain initiative.
Commissioners for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, and Information and Communication, Mr. Aka Eze Aka, noted that the Executive Council was also briefed on the installation of high-tech security surveillance cameras and plans for upgrading the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The Enugu State Government continues to prioritize infrastructure and agricultural development as part of its broader strategy to enhance the quality of life and drive economic growth in the region.
