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Traders across Enugu State have pledged support for Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s re-election bid, citing his administration’s infrastructure projects, market-friendly policies and efforts to improve the business environment.
The pledge was made on Friday during a meeting between the governor and chairmen and secretaries of over 50 markets across the state, under the umbrella of the Enugu State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, ESMATA.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its President, Chief Chinwuba Igwesi, said traders across the 17 local government areas were ready to support Mbah’s second term, pointing to improved commercial activities and the administration’s responsiveness to their concerns.
Igwesi commended the governor for restoring normal business activities on Mondays after disruptions caused by the illegal sit-at-home order. He said the return to regular trading had helped traders recover lost income and improved business opportunities.
He also praised the administration for providing transformers to markets with inadequate power supply, asphalting internal market roads, installing solar-powered streetlights and constructing toilet facilities. He further acknowledged the provision of utility vehicles to market leadership, appointments of market leaders into government and pilgrimage opportunities approved for traders during the year.
According to him, Mbah’s business background had given him a practical understanding of traders’ challenges, which is reflected in policies aimed at strengthening commercial activities and supporting local enterprises.
On taxation, Igwesi dismissed rumours of a general tax increase, explaining that the government had unified taxes into a single account. He said traders were willing to meet their tax obligations because development projects were visible across the state.
He also credited the governor’s directive requiring contractors to source construction materials locally, where available, with boosting patronage and retaining business transactions within Enugu.
The ESMATA president further commended the administration’s investment in healthcare, recounting his visit to the international hospital project, which he said reflects the state’s growing ambitions.
Declaring the traders’ political support, Igwesi said Mbah’s performance had strengthened his position ahead of the next governorship election.
“When the time comes, your work will speak for you,” he said, adding: “No opposition in Enugu State.”
Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the market leaders and pledged to intensify development efforts if re-elected.
He announced plans to establish a cargo terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to facilitate goods movement and connect local businesses to international markets. He also disclosed plans for direct cargo operations between Enugu and China, which he said would soon commence to enable traders import goods more directly and affordably.
The governor highlighted the ongoing construction of the International Market at Idodo as part of his administration’s strategy to expand commercial infrastructure and create opportunities for traders and investors.
He also identified the International Conference Centre, ICC, Enugu, as key to restoring the state’s prominence as a centre of national activity, noting that hosting major conferences and events would generate business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and other service providers.
Mbah stressed that security remained essential to attracting investors and visitors, adding that his administration was working to create a safe environment for businesses to thrive.
Reaffirming his economic ambitions, the governor said he intended to grow Enugu’s economy from an estimated $4 billion to $30 billion through increased productivity, investment, infrastructure development and support for local businesses.
He assured the traders that their interests would remain a priority, noting that his business experience informed his understanding of the challenges involved in sourcing goods, meeting financial obligations and sustaining livelihoods.
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