Enugu traders have reaffirmed their support for Governor Peter Mbah’s second-term bid, praising his administration’s market infrastructure, end of Monday sit-at-home disruptions and unified tax system, as the governor unveils plans for a cargo terminal, Idodo International Market and direct imports from China.
Traders across Enugu State have declared their support for Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s second-term ambition, citing improvements in market infrastructure, the restoration of regular commercial activities and policies aimed at strengthening the business environment.
The traders, under the umbrella of the Enugu State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ESMATA), made their position known on Friday, October 23 2026, during a meeting between the governor and market stakeholders, including chairmen and secretaries of more than 50 markets across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the association, ESMATA President, Chief Chinwuba Igwesi, said traders across the 17 local government areas were satisfied with the administration’s interventions and were prepared to support Mbah’s re-election bid.
Igwesi particularly commended the governor for ending the Monday sit-at-home disruptions, which had previously forced traders to close their businesses and lose significant income.
He said the restoration of normal commercial activities throughout the week had enabled traders to open their shops daily, recover lost trading opportunities and improve their earnings.
The ESMATA president also praised the administration for providing transformers to markets facing electricity challenges, asphalting roads within several markets and installing solar-powered streetlights to improve security and commercial activities.
He added that the construction of toilet facilities, provision of utility vehicles to market leadership and appointment of some market leaders into government had demonstrated the administration’s recognition of traders as important contributors to the state’s economy.
Igwesi also appreciated the governor for approving pilgrimage opportunities for some market leaders during the year, describing the gestures as evidence of the administration’s engagement with the market community.
According to him, Mbah’s business background had helped him understand the challenges traders face, including sourcing goods, meeting financial obligations and sustaining their livelihoods.
The ESMATA president further dismissed rumours of a general tax increase, explaining that the administration had introduced a unified tax payment system designed to consolidate taxes into a single account.
He said traders were willing to fulfil their tax obligations because they could see development projects and public infrastructure being delivered across the state.
Igwesi maintained that the visible use of public revenue for development had strengthened traders’ confidence in the government and its management of state resources.
He also identified the building materials sector as one of the areas experiencing improved commercial prospects, attributing part of the growth to the governor’s directive that contractors handling projects in Enugu should purchase available construction materials from local suppliers.
According to him, the policy had helped retain business transactions within the state, increase patronage for local traders and support businesses dealing in building materials and related supplies.
The ESMATA president also praised the administration’s investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly the international hospital project, which he described as impressive and comparable to facilities in major international destinations.
Igwesi said the administration’s development record had strengthened the governor’s standing among traders ahead of the next governorship election.
“When the time comes, your work will speak for you,” he said, reaffirming the association’s position with the declaration, “No opposition in Enugu State.”
Other market leaders echoed the assurance, saying the administration’s policies and infrastructure projects had encouraged them to support its continued leadership.
Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the traders for recognising his administration’s efforts and urged them to sustain their support, promising further development if re-elected.
The governor said his administration remained committed to expanding commercial opportunities, improving infrastructure and positioning Enugu as a major destination for business, investment and international trade.
He disclosed plans to develop a cargo terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to facilitate the movement of goods and connect local businesses to international markets.
Mbah said the proposed facility would improve access to global supply chains and create opportunities for traders to expand their operations beyond Nigeria.
He also announced plans for direct cargo operations between Enugu and China, which he said would soon commence, enabling traders to import goods more directly and at more affordable rates.
According to the governor, the initiative would reduce the difficulties associated with sourcing goods, improve access to international markets and strengthen the competitiveness of businesses operating in Enugu.
Mbah further highlighted the ongoing construction of the International Market at Idodo, describing it as part of his administration’s broader strategy to expand commercial infrastructure and create opportunities for traders, investors and other economic stakeholders.
He said the government was deliberately investing in infrastructure, connectivity and strategic projects to attract more commercial activities and strengthen the state’s economic base.
The governor also explained that the construction of the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, was part of efforts to restore the state’s prominence as a centre for major national events, conferences and business gatherings.
He said hosting such events would attract visitors and businesspeople, creating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and other service providers to benefit from increased economic activity.
Mbah stressed that improved security was essential to achieving this ambition, noting that a safe environment would encourage investment, attract visitors and allow businesses to operate without fear.
He said his administration was working to strengthen the state’s security system, adding that safety, infrastructure and economic planning must work together to make Enugu an attractive destination for investment.
On the state’s economic prospects, the governor reiterated his ambition to grow Enugu’s economy from an estimated $4 billion to $30 billion.
He said the target would be pursued through increased productivity, investment attraction, stronger local businesses and the creation of more economic opportunities for residents.
Mbah also assured traders that their interests would remain a priority, maintaining that his experience in business had given him an understanding of the challenges associated with running enterprises, sourcing goods and sustaining livelihoods.
He said government policies would continue to take account of their implications for traders and other business operators, stressing that the administration’s economic agenda was intended to support commercial activities rather than undermine them.
The meeting was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Liaison, Hon. Dr. 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.
The officials accompanied the governor in receiving the market leaders.
The engagement provided an opportunity for traders to assess the administration’s interventions and for the governor to outline further plans to improve market infrastructure, expand international trade and strengthen Enugu’s commercial position.
With representatives of more than 50 markets expressing confidence in the administration, the meeting highlighted the importance of the trading sector to Enugu’s economic development and political discussions ahead of the next governorship election.
For the traders, improved infrastructure, reliable security, access to goods and a conducive business environment remain key considerations in assessing government performance. For the state government, the engagement reinforced its commitment to expanding commercial opportunities and positioning Enugu as a more connected, secure and economically vibrant state.
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