Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has attributed the expansion of infrastructure projects across the state to increased financial resources made available to subnational governments through the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Mbah made the remarks while receiving members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors during a media tour of the South-East region. The delegation was jointly led by presidential aides Bayo Onanuga and Sunday Dare.
The tour, organised under the Renewed Hope initiative coordinated by Governor Hope Uzodimma, was designed to showcase federal and state development projects across the region and assess the impact of government policies on infrastructure delivery.
Speaking during the visit, Mbah said recent federal reforms have significantly improved the fiscal capacity of states, enabling them to undertake large-scale development projects that were previously difficult to finance.
According to him, many states in the past struggled to fund capital projects after meeting salary obligations, leaving little room for infrastructure development.
He noted that changes in the nation’s fiscal framework have created a more favourable environment for planning and executing projects across critical sectors.
The governor specifically highlighted reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate unification and tax-related adjustments, which he said have strengthened state finances and increased funds available for development.
He also commended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), noting that the student loan scheme has helped reduce pressure on state governments to provide scholarship funding.
Mbah said the improved fiscal environment has enabled Enugu State to accelerate investments in roads, healthcare, education, security and digital infrastructure.
“It would have been impossible, to say the least, for us as a state to have done things at a scale we did without some of the bold and courageous policies of Mr President,” he said.
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The governor showcased several ongoing projects, including the Smart Green Schools initiative, which is aimed at providing modern learning facilities and technology-driven education across communities in the state.
He also highlighted the construction of the Enugu International Specialist Hospital, describing it as a major healthcare project that will improve access to specialist medical services and help reduce the need for Nigerians to seek treatment abroad.
On security, Mbah said the state government has invested heavily in surveillance infrastructure and rapid response systems to improve public safety and support economic activities.
According to him, the reforms introduced by the Federal Government have created a stronger foundation for states to deliver development projects and improve the quality of life of citizens.
During the tour, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that development projects are spread across all parts of the country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not ignored any section of Nigeria,” Onanuga said.
He added that collaboration between federal and state governments under the Renewed Hope Agenda is producing visible results in infrastructure development and public service delivery.
Members of the delegation inspected several major projects in Enugu State, including the Abakpa Flyover Interchange, the reconstruction of the Enugu–Onitsha–Port Harcourt concrete pavement road, and the dualisation of the Enugu International Airport Road linking the state to the Ebonyi border.
The team also visited the Owo–Ubahu–Amankanu–Umualo–Ekem road project, the Enugu State Tractors Assembling Plant and the Smart City project site.
At the Enugu International Specialist Hospital, the delegation inspected advanced medical equipment, including MRI machines, cancer treatment facilities, mammography systems and modern surgical theatres.
The tour forms part of broader efforts by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to showcase projects being executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda and evaluate the utilisation of federal allocations by state governments across the country.