Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has declared that the state’s vast coal deposits will be harnessed to generate 1,000 megawatts of power, affirming that Enugu’s coal would not be treated as a “stranded asset” without adequate compensation.

Speaking in Lagos on Thursday at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) “Meet the Governor Series,” Mbah highlighted Enugu’s premium-grade coal with less than 0.5% sulphur content and high calorific value, noting that advanced technologies will be deployed to minimize environmental impact.

“We cannot treat our coal as a stranded asset, particularly the Enugu coal, which is a premium coal,” Mbah said. “Our target is to see how we can use our coal to generate at least 1,000 megawatts of power. We are not going to warehouse our coal resources.”

Beyond energy, the governor unveiled sweeping reforms in security, tourism, and aviation. He disclosed that his administration had cut crime by 80% through strategic investment in security infrastructure, creating a safe environment for business and leisure.

On tourism, Mbah said Enugu had completed the International Conference Centre (ICC), which successfully hosted over 20,000 participants during the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference. He added that the ICC 5-Star Hotel was near completion, while the state was also building the “Cross of Hope” monument, a 100-metre cross to sit atop Enugu’s highest point, designed to attract religious tourism.

With an ambitious target of three million annual visitors, Mbah revealed plans to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, operationalize its international wing by early 2026, and build a cargo terminal. He further disclosed that Enugu Air would take delivery of six new aircraft before year’s end to accommodate rising demand.

“In just one month of operation, Enugu Air has surpassed our projections,” he noted, adding that the state would also deliver four branded hotels by 2026 to meet the surge in hospitality demand.

NBCC President, Mr. Abimbola Olashore, praised Enugu as “a state on the move” under Mbah, citing bold strides in digital governance, infrastructure expansion, and creative public-private partnerships.

Also speaking, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, revealed that UK-Nigeria trade had reached £7.9 billion—the highest on record—while the UK accounted for 65% of Nigeria’s foreign direct investment inflows. He described Nigeria as the UK’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, adding that new frameworks such as the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and the Developing Countries Trading Scheme would further ease trade, particularly for Nigerian exports.

With its coal-powered energy vision, booming tourism sector, and aviation expansion, Enugu under Governor Mbah is positioning itself as a hub of investment and global partnership.