Traders across Enugu State have declared support for Governor Peter Mbah’s re-election bid, citing his administration’s market infrastructure projects, efforts to end the Monday sit-at-home disruption and policies aimed at improving the business environment.
The traders, under the umbrella of the Enugu State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ESMATA), made their position known on Friday during a meeting between the governor and chairmen and secretaries of more than 50 markets across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its president, Chief Chinwuba Igwesi, said traders across the 17 local government areas were satisfied with several interventions by the administration and were prepared to support Mbah’s second-term ambition.
Igwesi particularly commended the restoration of normal commercial activities on Mondays, saying the illegal sit-at-home order had previously forced traders to shut their shops and suffer significant financial losses.
He said the return of regular trading had created opportunities for businesses to recover lost income and improve commercial activities across the state.
The ESMATA president also praised the government for providing transformers to markets experiencing electricity challenges, asphalting internal market roads, installing solar-powered streetlights and constructing toilet facilities.
He listed the provision of utility vehicles to market leaders, appointments of market representatives into government positions and pilgrimage opportunities for some traders among the administration’s other interventions.
According to Igwesi, Mbah’s background in business has helped him understand the difficulties traders face and informed policies intended to strengthen commercial activities.
On taxation, he dismissed concerns about a general increase in taxes, explaining that the government had consolidated taxes into a unified account.
He said traders were willing to fulfil their tax obligations because they could see development projects being executed across the state.
Igwesi also credited the governor’s directive requiring contractors to patronise local suppliers for construction materials, where available, with increasing business for local merchants and retaining more economic activity within Enugu.
He further praised the administration’s investments in healthcare, recounting a visit to the state’s international hospital project, which he said had impressed him with its scale and ambition.
Declaring the association’s political position ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Igwesi said the governor’s performance would be a major factor in the traders’ support.
“When the time comes, your work will speak for you,” he said, adding, “No opposition in Enugu State.”
Mbah unveils cargo terminal, China trade plans
Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the market leaders for their support and promised to sustain and expand his administration’s development programmes if re-elected.
He announced plans to establish a cargo terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to improve the movement of goods and connect local businesses to international markets.
The governor also disclosed plans for direct cargo operations between Enugu and China, which he said would commence soon and enable traders to import goods more directly and at lower costs.
Mbah said the initiative would improve access to international supply chains, reduce logistical difficulties and create fresh opportunities for traders and other businesses in the state.
He also highlighted the ongoing construction of the International Market at Idodo, describing the project as part of his administration’s broader strategy to expand commercial infrastructure and attract investors.
According to him, the market would provide additional opportunities for traders while supporting the growth of the state’s commercial sector.
The governor identified the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, as another strategic investment intended to restore the state’s position as a major destination for conferences, business meetings and other national events.
He said hosting such events would generate economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and other service providers.
Mbah further emphasised that security remained essential to attracting investors and visitors, assuring the traders that his administration was working to create an environment in which businesses could operate safely.
Governor targets $30bn economy
Reaffirming his economic ambitions, Mbah said he was working towards growing Enugu State’s economy from an estimated $4 billion to $30 billion through increased productivity, infrastructure development, investment and support for local enterprises.
He assured the traders that their concerns would remain central to his administration’s policies, noting that his experience in business had given him an appreciation of the challenges associated with sourcing goods, meeting financial obligations and sustaining livelihoods.
The meeting was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Liaison, Hon. Chinedu Mbah; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mr Vincent Onyeaboor; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Frank Anioma.
