Mbah Announces Monorail and Intercity Rail Plans for Enugu

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has announced plans to introduce a monorail and an intercity rail line as part of his broader strategy for the state’s holistic development.

He said the projects will be inaugurated within the next four years, arguing that a multi‑modal transportation system is essential for Enugu, the capital, to match the standards of major cities worldwide.

These announcements were made during his acceptance speech after winning the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary.

The APC has nominated him to seek re‑election in 2027, following a decisive 96 per cent endorsement from Enugu APC members.

Mbah explained that the proposed transportation system “will not be designed to earn us any bragging rights. They are municipal necessities.”

He urged residents to “think about any great city you know (and envision how Enugu would be in four years’ time)” as part of his vision to build a world‑class city.

The governor added: “All our projects are mutually reinforcing for economic growth and holistic development of Enugu State, so they were never conceived as grandiose projects that have no bearing on the needs of the people.”

“From agriculture to the international cargo terminal, hotels to the massive tourism sites, and security to real estate, they are all connecting the dots,” he said, noting that “in the coming years, their benefits will be more.”

He hinted that the plans for Enugu’s future are substantial, adding that “what we have done in the last three years is simply laying the foundations for greater things to come.”

The governor, who reviewed his achievements since taking office in the Lion Building in May 2023, said he has proven that political promises can be kept.

“We have smashed the notion that promises matter more than performance. Instead, the emphasis has been on real substance, on ensuring that every effort translates into outcome, and that resources are used with care and intent,” Mbah stated.

According to him, his promises and ideas to improve Enugu have been translated into tangible projects that impact the state’s economic and social life.

“It is visible in the routines of our daily life, in how we study, how we travel, how we work, how we access services that were once unreliable or out of reach. You can see it in sectors beginning to function with greater coherence,” he said.

Mbah said he could not afford to fail because “every young person looking ahead to their future life is relying on us to follow through these promises. Mothers, fathers are watching the future of their children, praying that this time it will not be fake. We have a duty not to dash that goal, but to stand behind a vision that demands security and real choice for every young man.”

He acknowledged that his ambitious “Tomorrow is Here” project has faced skepticism that it might become a mere slogan.

But he has proved doubters wrong, saying “what once felt distant, that tomorrow could be different, is no longer abstract. It is taking shape.”

He added that his ideas have become realities because “we stepped away from the politics of appearance, the kind that looks impressive from a distance but delivers little on close.”

In driving Enugu State’s development, Mbah assured residents that he would not sacrifice their welfare for infrastructural progress.

He said: “The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law. And we commit to that. With this in mind, think of your children and your children’s children. Let our standards, our commitment, our vision surpass their expectations. Because this is what you are worth and this is what Enugu deserves. Let us move forward together.”