Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy. He described the policy as irreversible and warned against reopening debates about its reinstatement.
Mbah spoke on Wednesday during the “Meet the Candidates” town hall meeting organised by Afia TV in Enugu. He also maintained that his administration had delivered good governance across several sectors.
The governor said restoring fuel subsidy would undermine economic gains and discourage investors. He urged Nigeria to focus on using the benefits of subsidy removal to create jobs, generate wealth and improve household welfare.
His comments come amid wider discussions about economic reforms and investment opportunities. The Enugu government has also pursued policies aimed at attracting private capital, as outlined in its ₦30 billion economic ambition backed by NACCIMA.
Mbah Warns Against Reintroducing Fuel Subsidy
The governor described calls to restore fuel subsidy as a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s economic direction. He argued that reintroducing the policy could reverse progress made through its removal.
“If you reintroduce fuel subsidy today, we will lose ten times whatever we are currently trying to gain in terms of the removal of subsidy,” Mbah said.
He also warned that restoring the subsidy could worsen poverty and trigger further pressure on the naira. According to him, the uncertainty could make investors reconsider their commitments to Nigeria.
“We cannot go back to subsidy. And I do not think it is in the interest of the country for us to even debate that,” he said.
Mbah added that even discussing a possible reversal could send the wrong signal to prospective investors. He said investors need confidence that government policies will remain consistent.
The governor urged the Federal Government to concentrate on ensuring that the benefits of subsidy removal reach households. He also called for measures that would encourage job creation and wealth generation.
His position reflects the investment-focused approach Enugu has adopted in its economic strategy. The state is seeking partnerships in several sectors, including agriculture, energy and technology through its proposed German investment corridor.
Governor Links Tinubu’s Policies to Investment Growth
Mbah said Nigeria should focus on attracting more private capital rather than considering a return to fuel subsidy. He pointed to activity in the stock market and growing interest from foreign investors.
According to him, Tinubu’s economic policies had helped stabilise key macroeconomic indicators. He argued that improved indicators could strengthen investor confidence and encourage further foreign direct investment.
“You can see quite a lot of funds coming into our country, not just portfolio investments, but also direct investments,” he said.
Mbah maintained that a stable policy environment was important for attracting long-term investment. He said uncertainty over subsidy policy could discourage companies considering investments in Nigeria.
The governor has also linked investment to infrastructure development in Enugu. During a recent engagement with editors, he highlighted projects designed to support economic activity and improve connectivity.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors subsequently toured several projects across the state. Read more about the editors’ assessment of Mbah’s infrastructure projects.
The administration has also continued to present infrastructure as a foundation for its economic ambitions. Its plans cover roads, healthcare, education, transportation, tourism and other sectors.
A report on the government’s efforts to sustain Enugu’s development gains outlines the administration’s approach to long-term development.
Mbah Says Fuel Subsidy Previously Favoured the Wealthy
The governor also questioned whether the former subsidy system adequately benefited its intended recipients. He argued that wealthier Nigerians gained more from the arrangement than poorer households.
Mbah said the government could now direct resources towards targeted support for vulnerable citizens. He cited cash transfers and a proposed programme to provide seed capital to 1,000 people in each ward nationwide.
According to him, these interventions could help beneficiaries become more productive and improve their livelihoods. He maintained that support should reach people who need it most.
The governor’s comments placed poverty reduction and wealth creation at the centre of the subsidy debate. He said Nigeria should focus on making the policy’s benefits more visible in households.
Enugu has also linked poverty reduction to education and skills development. Oji River Local Government Chairman Greg Anyaegbudike recently praised the state’s technology-driven schools, saying they could help children overcome poverty.
Read about the Smart Education Model and its potential role in poverty reduction.
The state has also pursued agricultural investments intended to support food production and livelihoods. Its partnership with the South-East Development Commission includes a programme to expand modern farming and agricultural opportunities.
More details are available in the report on Mbah and SEDC’s South-East agro-development programme.
Mbah Says His Administration Has Delivered Good Governance
Beyond the national economic debate, Mbah defended his administration’s record in Enugu State. He said the government had kept its promises and delivered projects across key sectors.
The governor urged residents to compare the state before his inauguration with its current development trajectory. He listed several projects that he said reflected the administration’s achievements.
These included Hotel Presidential, the International Conference Centre, Enugu Air and modern transport terminals. He also cited 268 Smart Green Schools, 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, CNG buses and Nigergas.
Mbah further highlighted the Enugu International Hospital and other projects. He said the achievements represented progress while acknowledging that the state still had more work ahead.
The administration has published a compendium of its reported achievements and economic targets. Read the report on Mbah’s 10,000-plus achievements and his $30 billion economy target.
The governor also pointed to education as a major part of Enugu’s future. He said the state wanted children to acquire skills that would prepare them for changing global demands.
His administration recently unveiled a policy framework to guide education reforms. Details are available in the report on Mbah’s education policy and call for a national emergency in education.
The governor said his vision included a state with paved roads across its urban areas. He also described plans for expanded electricity generation, reliable power supply and lower energy costs.
Mbah said these changes could reduce operating costs for businesses and improve residents’ quality of life. He also imagined a future where a monorail and expanded air connections would improve transportation.
The government has continued to highlight investment in public infrastructure as part of its economic strategy. Its plans also include food production and agro-industrialisation, as outlined in the report on Enugu’s efforts to revive agricultural assets and strengthen food security.
Governor Urges Residents to Support Enugu’s Development Plans
Mbah urged residents to sustain the state’s development efforts and protect the gains of his first term. He also asked voters to support his second-term ambition.
He said the projects already delivered should serve as a foundation for more ambitious plans. According to him, the government wants to maintain its development standards and expand opportunities for residents.
The governor’s comments came as political activities intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections. Different groups have continued to express their positions on the administration’s performance and re-election bid.
Recently, commercial tricycle operators endorsed Mbah and Tinubu, citing infrastructure and transport reforms. Read about the Keke riders’ endorsement ahead of the 2027 elections.
More than 30,000 teachers in Enugu have also endorsed Mbah and Tinubu, citing education reforms and teachers’ welfare. The endorsement is covered in the report on Enugu teachers backing both leaders.
However, the governor’s development claims and economic projections remain matters for continued public scrutiny. The Nigerian Guild of Editors has also heard Mbah’s position on the role of independent journalism in assessing government performance.
Read how the governor urged the media and government to meet at the point of truth.
Mbah concluded by urging residents to work towards the future he described. He said the state must maintain its standards and continue pursuing growth and development.
He maintained that Enugu’s next phase would build on existing projects while expanding opportunities in infrastructure, education, energy and transportation.
