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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah’s ambitious vision for Enugu State continues to inspire confidence among citizens and stakeholders as the government projects that its 2026 budget would surpass N1 trillion, a landmark target that reflects the administration’s bold development drive.
This optimism was shared during the 2026 Budget Consultative Forum and Citizens’ Engagement organised by the Ministry of Budget and Planning, where participants commended the Mbah administration for its inclusive, transparent and participatory approach to governance.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, said the engagement was in line with the governor’s commitment to sustainable growth, accountability and citizen participation.
According to him, the 2025 gross budget stood at ₦971 billion, but current projections indicate that the 2026 fiscal plan would exceed ₦1 trillion, in line with Governor Mbah’s long-term economic transformation agenda. “The budget ceiling this year was ₦971 billion, but 2026 will possibly cross ₦1 trillion because His Excellency is determined to make unprecedented progress. By the special grace of God, his return to power will be smooth because of the impact people are already seeing.
“With the kind of investments coming into the state, enabled by infrastructural development and unparalleled security, Enugu is fast becoming a haven for investment and living,” Ozongwu said.
He expressed confidence that the administration’s growth strategy would push the state’s GDP projection beyond $30 billion, driven by accelerated investments and infrastructure renewal.
Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Enugu State Council, Ben Asogwa, hailed the Mbah administration’s vision and openness, noting that citizens now have a sense of ownership over the government’s policies and programmes.
He said: “When you engage with the public in this kind of forum, you make us part of the process. It means the product of our budget is collective. The 2025 budget speaks for itself, no one can ask where the funds went because the results are visible in the projects already completed and ongoing across the state.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council and traditional ruler of Edem Ani Ogwugwu ancient kingdom in Nsukka, Igwe Samuel Asadu, described Mbah as a visionary leader, who is changing the narrative in governance. “Last year’s budget was monumental. The governor allocated 33 percent to education and we can see 260 smart schools at various stages of completion. As we move into the 2026 budget, I expect more inclusivity. Peter Mbah is one of the most intelligent governors in Nigeria and we will continue to support him,” he said.
Also speaking, Obinna Ogbuka, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Chapter, said Mbah’s approach to governance had restored public trust and strengthened accountability.
“This kind of engagement shows transparency in governance. People were able to air their views freely. We want to see some of the suggestions implemented and proper supervision of projects to ensure they meet required standards. Enugu should even be better in 2026,” Ogbuka said.
For Arinze Ogbodo, State Chairman of the Council of President Generals, the consultative process had empowered communities to take charge of development at the grassroots.
“We, at the grassroots, are the ones to ensure that contractors deliver according to His Excellency’s directives. This engagement helps community leaders understand their responsibilities regarding government projects,” he said.
Similarly, Alhaji Abdulaziz Adebayo, the Oba of the Yoruba community in Enugu State, praised Mbah for his visionary and inclusive leadership, noting that his administration’s achievements within two years had surpassed expectations.
“Governor Peter Mbah has listening ears. He seeks advice and values citizens’ contributions. Since he came to power, he has held several town hall meetings to get public inputs. What he has achieved in two years is what some governors could not achieve in eight.”
The forum, which brought together labour leaders, traditional rulers, journalists and community representatives, reaffirmed confidence in Mbah’s economic vision, one anchored on inclusivity, innovation and transparency, as Enugu sets its sights on crossing the ₦1 trillion budget threshold in 2026.
