Gov. Mbah Reassure Welfare Of Business Owners, As Enugu Traders Echoe Resounding Support Ahead 2027

...As Enugu Traders Back Mbah for Second Term, Declare Markets Opposition-Free

 Hails End of Monday Sit-at-Home, Improved Market Facilities and Business Growth; Governor Promises Bigger Opportunities Through China Cargo Link, Idodo International Market

ENUGU, October 23, 2026 — Market leaders across Enugu State have thrown their weight behind Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s second-term ambition, declaring that his administration’s development projects and interventions in the trading sector have strengthened their confidence in his leadership.

The traders, led by the President of the Enugu State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ESMATA), Chief Chinwuba Igwesi, made the declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting with the governor attended by chairmen and secretaries of more than 50 markets across the state.

Speaking for the traders, Igwesi applauded the restoration of regular Monday trading following the end of the illegal sit-at-home disruption, saying traders could now open their businesses throughout the week without losing valuable income.

He also commended the government’s provision of transformers, market road asphalting, solar streetlights, toilet facilities and utility vehicles for market leaders, alongside appointments of market stakeholders into government and pilgrimage opportunities approved for some leaders.

On taxation, Igwesi dismissed rumours of increased taxes, explaining that the government had unified taxes into a single account. He said traders were more willing to pay because they could see development taking place across the state.

He further credited the administration’s directive encouraging contractors to source available construction materials locally for boosting patronage and business growth, particularly among building-materials dealers. He also praised the governor’s healthcare investments, recalling that his visit to the international hospital project made him feel as though he were in Dubai.

Describing Governor Mbah as a fellow trader who understands the realities of business, the ESMATA president said the governor’s performance had given him an edge over opposition candidates. The market leaders collectively assured him of their support, declaring: “When the time comes, your work will speak for you. No opposition in Enugu State.”

Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the traders for their confidence and assured them that greater development opportunities awaited Enugu if they renewed his mandate.

He highlighted plans for a cargo terminal at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and forthcoming direct cargo operations between Enugu and China, which he said would enable local traders to import goods more cheaply and connect directly with international markets. He also pointed to the ongoing construction of the International Market at Idodo as part of his administration’s drive to expand commercial opportunities.

The governor said the International Conference Centre, Enugu, was designed to restore the state’s prominence as a destination for major national events, bringing visitors and business opportunities to traders and other service providers. He stressed that effective security remained essential to attracting investors, visitors and commercial activities.

Reaffirming his economic ambition, Mbah said he was determined to grow Enugu’s economy from an estimated $4 billion to $30 billion through infrastructure, investment and expanded business opportunities.

He assured the traders that, as someone familiar with the demands of running a business, he would not support policies that undermine their interests, pledging to sustain an environment where commerce could thrive.

The meeting was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Liaison, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah; Senior Special Assistant on Security, Mr. Vincent Onyeaboor; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, High Chief Frank Anioma, who accompanied the governor in receiving the market leaders.

The engagement reinforced the market community’s call for continuity, with traders linking their support to improved market infrastructure, uninterrupted trading, stronger local patronage and the administration’s plans to connect Enugu businesses to wider domestic and international markets.