Akahi News learnt that the Enugu State Government has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant, with groundbreaking scheduled for July this year. Governor Peter Mbah disclosed this on Wednesday during a solidarity visit by the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN) at the Government House, Enugu.
The project forms a critical pillar of the administration’s broader vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to a staggering $30 billion. Akahi News gathered that the governor also received a thunderous endorsement for a second term from the OPSN — an umbrella body comprising NECA, MAN, NASSI, NASME, and the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).
It was alleged that the private sector group had never been this impressed by a sitting governor. Their message was clear: Mbah, himself a product of the private sector, had made them proud by strengthening confidence in Enugu as an emerging destination for investment, commerce, enterprise development, and living.
Why Coal? And Why Enugu’s Black Gold Is Different
Governor Mbah explained that Enugu State was the first subnational to set up an electricity market following the Constitution and Electricity Act amendments that transferred power from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List. But his administration has gone further.
“I am pleased to inform you that in July we are going to be breaking ground for a 660MW coal-fired power plant,” Mbah declared. “The outlay in terms of time for building the plant is 24 months. So, our target is to commission that power plant 24 months after the groundbreaking in July.”
Then came the promise that made the private sector leaders lean forward in their seats: “What that simply means is that post-2027, you will not have your power go off in Enugu, whether for businesses or for residential. You are also going to have affordable electricity because it is going to be by far the cheapest in the country.”
But what about the environmental concerns that usually accompany coal? Akahi News had earlier reported that Mbah was ready with answers. He cited the low sulfur content and high calorific value of Enugu coal, which stands at about 7,000 kilocalories per kilogramme.
“The interesting thing about our coal is that we have the best quality of coal in the world. Our sulfur content is less than 0.5 per cent. With 1 per cent you are happy, but this one is 0.5 per cent. The only country that comes close is Japan.”
The governor emphasised that instead of merely exporting the coal, Enugu would now add value by generating electricity with it. He also disclosed that his administration had taken about two years to undertake necessary studies and secure coal assets to guarantee unhindered supplies to the plant. This is not a knee-jerk decision, he insisted.
Beyond Power: AI Institute, Security, And One-Stop Shop For Investors
Mbah did not stop at electricity. He listed other strategic interventions aimed at further improving the Enugu business environment and preparing for the future. These include significant investments in security, the establishment of a one-stop shop for prospective investors, the ongoing construction of a technology incubation centre, and a partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission to build an Artificial Intelligence Institute.
“In four years from now, AI will contribute $20 trillion to the global economy,” the governor stated. “We just do not want Enugu State to miss out on such huge funds. We want to be at the epicentre, not just as consumers, but as producers.”
It is a bold vision. But will the common man in Nsukka or Udi feel the impact? When will the small-scale industrialist in Abakpa see his factory lights stay on for 24 hours? The governor has given timelines. Now the clock is ticking.
Private Sector Endorses Mbah: “You Have Made Us Proud”
The OPSN endorsement was not handed out lightly. Convener of OPSN Enugu and Chairman of NECA South East Zone, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, expressed the group’s satisfaction with the Mbah administration, citing security, improved infrastructure, transportation, hospitality, social services, and other enablers of business and investment.
“We particularly commend your administration’s significant investments in security, because we all know that business only goes to secure and peaceful destinations,” Chime stated. He also praised the construction and rehabilitation of strategic road networks that have improved mobility and enhanced access to commercial centres.
Chime went further, saying Mbah’s exploits had made it imperative for more private sector players to join politics. “Organised Private Sector is particularly proud that you are one of its distinguished products. Your private sector background, where practical and common-sense decisions prevail, has enabled you to appreciate the critical role of businesses in economic growth, job creation, and improved welfare of the people.”
Other speakers — including Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye of NECA; founder of Peace Group of Companies, Dr. Maduka Onyishi; ECCIMA President, Engr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe; ECCIMA Vice President, Princess Egbo; and Chairman of Wilson Group, Chief William Agbo — all lined up to laud Mbah for turning the state’s fortunes around. Some members even used the opportunity to present several made-in-Enugu products to the governor.
Why This Matters To Every Nigerian Who Has Given Up On Power
Consider the small manufacturer in Emene who currently runs two diesel generators just to keep production alive. His production cost is double what it should be, and he passes that cost to the consumer. If Enugu delivers affordable, reliable power post-2027, his goods will become cheaper. He will hire more workers. The ripple effect will touch every family in the state.
Or think of the young nurse in Enugu who dreams of running a cold room business but cannot because electricity is a gamble. With 24-hour power, her dream becomes viable. She becomes an employer. She becomes a taxpayer. The state grows.
But here is the philosophical reflection that cannot be ignored: Nigeria has heard big promises before. The Ajaokuta Steel mill remains a ghost. The Mambilla Power Project is still a talking point. What makes Enugu different? Perhaps the fact that Mbah is not just a politician but a private sector veteran who understands that investors do not wait for empty rhetoric. Perhaps the fact that the coal is already there, the studies are already done, and the political will appears genuine.
It is not a child’s play, this business of power generation. One delayed shipment of equipment, one contractual dispute, one change in federal policy — and the 24-month timeline could slip. But for now, Enugu has a vision. And for a region that once housed the coal city of Nigeria, perhaps it is time to reclaim that legacy.
The OPSN has endorsed Mbah for a second term. The private sector wants continuity. But the ultimate endorsement will come from the people — the traders, the teachers, the tailors — who will either enjoy light or continue to curse the darkness.
📌 Fact Summary Box
Project: 660MW coal-fired power plant in Enugu State.
Groundbreaking: July 2026.
Commissioning target: 24 months after groundbreaking (post-2027).
Coal quality: Sulfur content below 0.5% (Japan-equivalent); calorific value ~7,000 kcal/kg.
Economic goal: Grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn.
Other initiatives: AI Institute (partnership with NCC), technology incubation centre, one-stop shop for investors, security investments.
Endorsement: OPSN (NECA, MAN, NASSI, NASME, ECCIMA) backs Mbah for second term.
Key promise: “You will not have your power go off in Enugu post-2027 — cheapest electricity in Nigeria.”
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Akahi News will keep tracking Enugu’s power revolution and every development that affects Nigeria’s economic future. Stay with us. Stay hopeful. And remember: the coal city may soon light up the nation again.