The Enugu State Government and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors of the state’s economy.
This followed a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, by an EU delegation over the weekend.
The team was led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and included the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, and the Portuguese Ambassador, Mr. Paulos Martins dos Santos, alongside other senior European diplomats.
Mignot said the EU was ready to deepen its partnership with Enugu State in line with the administration’s development vision.
“The aim of our visit is to meet you, discuss the opportunities in the partnership between Enugu State and the European Union, and understand your vision for the future,” he said.
According to him, the EU has been collaborating with Enugu particularly in the education and energy sectors.
He highlighted several ongoing energy projects, including:
Solar for Health, implemented by NTU International, under which Enugu is one of seven beneficiary states.
The project will fund 20 solar microgrids to power 20 primary health centers and 124 small and medium enterprises.
The Small Hydro Power for Agro-industrial Sectors Project, implemented by UNIDO.
The Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP), driven by GIZ, which covers electrification support, investment advisory services, training, and the development of three interconnected minigrids with up to 1 MW capacity for 1,000 beneficiaries.
He further disclosed that Enugu is among the states selected for the UNESCO-led programme, Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria (EISS), which will train teachers in Smart Green Schools until June 2028.
Mignot also highlighted the EU’s partnership with the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival, noting that the 2025 edition in Enugu featured training sessions for upcoming filmmakers and grants for short film production.
Belgium’s Ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt, emphasized his country’s long-standing economic presence in Enugu, referencing Emenite Limited, a joint Nigeria-Belgium company established in 1961 that employs over 300 people in the region.
Portugal’s Ambassador, Paulos Martins dos Santos, also underscored his country’s growing interests in Nigeria’s energy, infrastructure, and agricultural sectors, adding that the EU’s footprint in the country is “large and multifaceted.”
Responding, Governor Mbah expressed appreciation for the EU’s alignment with his administration’s priorities in education, health, and other key areas.
“There is a strong alignment between our development vision and the goals of the EU. Investing in education is essential, which is why over 33 percent of our budget is dedicated to that sector,” Mbah said.
“If we fail to equip our children today, the cost will be far greater tomorrow.”
He invited the EU and its member nations to take advantage of emerging opportunities in Enugu’s aviation and energy sectors.
“We have launched Enugu Air, and the international wing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport will soon be fully operational. We encourage you to engage your home carriers to consider flights to Enugu,” he said.
Mbah added that the state is collaborating with the Federal Government to expand gas pipeline infrastructure, positioning Enugu as a viable destination for investment.
“We are open for business and will continue to provide a conducive environment for investors.”
