Efforts by Enugu and Abia state governments to integrate road, rail, air, and waterways into a seamless, safe, and efficient ecosystem have drawn both praise and criticism. Some residents allege that the reforms are harming other sectors and depriving them of their livelihoods, according to LAWRENCE NJOKU.
Transport Investments Underway
Governors Peter Mbah and Alex Otti have focused on revitalizing their states' transport sectors. In Abia, modern bus terminals are being built, key urban and intercity roads are being rehabilitated, and 20 eco-friendly electric buses were introduced in late 2025. These buses provided free rides from Umuahia to Aba and neighboring towns in December 2025.
In 2024, Abia officially launched construction of the new Abia Airport in Umunna Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Council. Designed as an international cargo and passenger airport, it aims to boost economic growth. The project, in partnership with the Federal Government and private sector, is expected to be completed within 36 months. Previous administrations under Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu had planned the airport, but it never materialized. Governor Otti’s government awarded the contract, accelerated work, and paid compensation to landowners.
Governor Otti stated, “Our administration is committed to replicating transport models seen in top global cities, like Paddington in the UK, where bus terminals, trains, and economic activities converge 24/7. That’s the kind of modern, vibrant transport hub we are building in Umuahia.” He also advanced talks on a monorail and helped recover the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line.
Enugu’s Transport Revolution
In Enugu, the Mbah administration demolished structures at Holy Ghost Park, Gariki Park, Abakpa Park, and Nsukka Park to build modern bus terminals. In August 2025, Mbah commissioned the terminals and rolled out 100 CNG transit buses, describing them as “central pillars of our transport agenda – a multimodal highway to the future.” The state also launched Enugu Air with Xejet Airlines, acquiring three Embraer aircraft initially. By February 2026, three more were added, with plans to expand the fleet to 20 by end of 2026.
In the 2026 budget, Mbah announced N10 billion equity funding for the first phase of a 135.5-kilometer monorail project, part of his campaign promise for a multimodal system including rail and inland waterways. Another N10 billion was earmarked for a vehicle manufacturing program.
Costs and Complaints
Despite progress, the investments have caused dislocation. In Abia, landowners from Umuezenta, Umuelenwa, and Okpuala protested inadequate compensation for the airport site, claiming they were shortchanged and denied access to farmland. Echezonam Ukaumunna, secretary of Nsulu landowners, said, “You can see that we did not farm last year; our livelihoods have suffered. If this airport comes to stay and the people cannot survive, the project becomes meaningless.” Isaac Frank added that the inability to farm worsened hardship.
In Enugu, demolitions affected over 10,000 traders, destroying shops, an educational institution, private motor parks, and residential buildings. The state budgeted N41.1 billion (40% of fiscal spending) for transport in 2025, while education received N320.6 billion (33%). In the 2026 budget of over N1.6 trillion, N79 billion (4.76%) is allocated to transport, but only N20 billion (1.24%) to water. Many residents accuse Mbah of neglecting the water sector; despite commissioning a plant in 2023 that increased water generation to 120 million liters, many water galleries remain dry, forcing reliance on expensive water vendors.
Expert Views
Economist Dr. Ruby Agbarakwe noted that economic development comes with costs. “What is going on in some states where residents suffer economic losses, exorbitant taxes, and dislocations are prices to pay for economic expansion. But the government must realize that the welfare of the people is paramount.” Eze Emmanuel, an estate surveyor, emphasized dialogue and consultation, while calling on other southeastern states to emulate Enugu and Abia in developing transport infrastructure as a potential revenue source beyond agriculture.
