Enugu Power – OPSN backs Mbah’s economic reforms for second term | Groundbreaking fixed for July | State unveils AI Institute, tech incubation plans
The Enugu State Government has announced plans to commence construction of a 660 megawatts coal-fired electricity plant in July 2026 as part of broader efforts to accelerate industrial growth, expand energy access, and strengthen the state’s investment climate.
Governor Peter Mbah disclosed this during a solidarity visit by the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN) at the Government House in Enugu, where business leaders also endorsed him for a second term in office, citing improvements in infrastructure, security, transportation, and enterprise development.
The proposed project, which is central to the administration’s “Enugu Power” strategy, is expected to deliver 660MW of electricity within 24 months after groundbreaking. According to Mbah, the state had already completed extensive studies and secured coal assets needed to sustain uninterrupted operations at the plant.
“We have gone beyond setting up an electricity market to becoming active producers of electricity here in Enugu State,” the governor said. “By July, we are going to break ground for a 660MW coal-fired power plant. Our target is to commission the project within 24 months.”
He added that the initiative was designed to address long-standing power challenges affecting homes and businesses, while also reducing electricity costs across the state.
“What that means is that post-2027, businesses and residents in Enugu should experience more stable and affordable electricity supply,” Mbah stated.
Speaking on environmental concerns often associated with coal energy, the governor maintained that Enugu’s coal deposits possess relatively low sulphur content and high calorific value, which he said makes them suitable for cleaner power generation.
“The sulphur content of Enugu coal is below 0.5 per cent, which is considered very low globally. Rather than exporting raw resources, we want to utilise them productively by generating electricity locally,” he explained.
Beyond the Enugu Power project, the administration also unveiled plans to deepen technology and innovation investments through the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Institute in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission, alongside an ongoing technology incubation centre aimed at supporting startups and digital enterprises.
Mbah said the move was intended to position Enugu as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
“In the coming years, artificial intelligence will shape a significant portion of the global economy. We want Enugu to participate not just as consumers of technology, but also as producers and innovators,” he said.
The OPSN delegation, led by the Convener of OPSN Enugu and Chairman of the South East Zone, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, commended the administration for policies they said had improved the ease of doing business in the state.
Chime pointed to investments in security, urban renewal, road infrastructure, and business reforms as factors contributing to increased investor confidence.
“Businesses thrive in secure and functional environments, and we have seen deliberate efforts in that direction,” he said. “The road projects, improved mobility, and urban renewal initiatives are already stimulating commercial activities across the state.”
He further described Mbah as a leader whose private sector background had influenced practical economic policies and encouraged stronger collaboration between government and businesses.
Other business leaders and prominent industrialists, also praised ongoing reforms and presented made-in-Enugu products to the governor during the visit.
The latest announcement adds to ongoing conversations around energy security, industrialisation, and technology-driven growth in the state as the government intensifies efforts to expand economic opportunities and attract long-term investments.
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