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Gov. Mbah’s bold vision redefines aviation in South East
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Two years into his administration, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has recorded another major milestone with the launch of Enugu Air, a state-backed airline designed to boost employment, attract investment, and reposition the state as an economic hub.
Since taking office in 2023, Mbah has been consistent about his ambitious goal of transforming Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion. At the presentation of the N971 billion “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity” in November 2024, he announced plans to acquire four aircraft, allocating N41.1 billion to the transport sector. On July 7, 2025, this vision came alive with the unveiling of Enugu Air, which debuted with three Embraer airplanes and an inaugural flight.
“With our airline, we are opening doors to a sector that once felt out of reach. Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams, and today we take that first flight together,” Mbah told the audience at the launch.
Currently operated in partnership with XEJet while awaiting its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the airline is already drawing widespread praise as a bold step to create jobs and open new economic frontiers.
Mbah said his administration is also pushing ahead with plans to concession Akanu Ibiam International Airport to private operators to ensure efficiency and improved revenue generation. “The Federal Government and National Assembly have given their blessing. The airport is underutilised, and we intend to change that,” he said.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who unveiled the airline, described it as “incredible” and hailed Mbah’s vision.
“It is an incredible vision you have here. Mr. President has said it himself. I am only reflecting what the president said. Beyond party lines, we should not be afraid to say it. You have a progressive spirit and you have done well for Enugu State. You are one of the best performing governors in Nigeria,” Keyamo stated.
Enugu Air, modeled after Akwa Ibom’s successful Ibom Air, is the first state-backed airline in the Southeast. It will initially operate local routes, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano.
“In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, U.S., and other global business hubs,” Mbah promised.
The launch has received glowing endorsements from business leaders and analysts. Chief Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd and Igwe-elect of Mburubu ancient kingdom, said the initiative represents “a new era” for the South East.
“What Governor Mbah has done with Enugu Air is not just about flying aircraft—it’s about building bridges across economic zones, creating ease for investors, and redefining how people move, think, and plan in the South East,” Onuokaibe said.
He added: “Before now, poor access to fast and reliable air travel was one of the bottlenecks investors raised when considering projects in the South East. That narrative has now changed. Enugu is now being repositioned not just as a state capital, but as a regional aviation and investment hub.”
According to him, the strategic routes planned under the airline’s “golden triangle” will stimulate trade and logistics.
“The economic implications of Enugu Air span far beyond aviation. This will spark ripple effects across various sectors, construction, hospitality, logistics, tech, even education,” he said.
Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, whose bank is the lead financier of the airline, called it a “powerful affirmation that tomorrow is here.”
“It is an honour to join you today as we celebrate the official launch of Enugu Air, a powerful affirmation that ‘Tomorrow Is Here’ in Enugu State and across Nigeria’s aviation sector,” she said.
“At Fidelity Bank, we are proud to finance tomorrow’s opportunities today. Our support for Enugu Air reflects our long-standing belief in aviation as a driver of economic growth, regional connectivity, and national transformation,” Onyeali-Ikpe noted.
She praised Mbah’s leadership, adding: “We salute Governor Peter Mbah, whose ‘Tomorrow Is Here’ agenda has rapidly turned vision into reality. Enugu Air now extends that promise to the skies, bridging the East to the world and fuelling a 24-hour economy.”
Finance analyst Dr. Joseph Nnaji said the project is proof that Mbah’s $30 billion economy projection is achievable.
“What I can say from the Enugu Air is that there are possibilities in the state and these possibilities are everywhere. No government so far has tried to invest in the aviation sector even when there is a functional airport in Enugu State.
The governor has opened this opportunity and that is to say that we can also draw from it to improve revenue and engender other activities in the various sectors,” he said.
Civil rights advocate Matthew Igwe also lauded the project, admitting he was initially doubtful.
“But he has proven that he was not making empty promises with the unveiling of the airline. We are happy that the government is really diversifying. We can now trust that there will be revenue from Enugu Air, additional jobs for our people have been created and we are being repositioned to play in the international hub,” he said.
Mbah’s transportation reforms go beyond aviation. In two years, his administration has constructed modern bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Gariki, Ninth Mile, and Nsukka, replacing chaotic motor parks. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses have also been introduced.
The vision, according to government sources, is to build an “Enugu Central Station” with dual terminals for inter-state and intra-city travel, aimed at decongesting roads, creating jobs, and boosting commuter convenience.
Observers believe Enugu Air marks a turning point for the Southeast, with the potential to boost internal revenue, attract diaspora investment, and position the state as a key economic hub.
