Governor Peter Mbah on Tuesday unveiled major aviation and transport plans during his 2026 budget presentation, outlining an ambitious expansion of Enugu State’s air and land mobility assets.
Addressing lawmakers, Mbah said improved mobility remained central to his administration’s economic strategy, stressing that “transportation is a lifeblood of commerce. Without efficient mobility, no economy can thrive.”
He announced that Enugu Air, the state-backed airline, would undergo a significant fleet upgrade in 2026 through the acquisition of 14 additional aircraft, raising its total fleet to 20.
According to him, the state currently operates six aircraft: “As you know, we procured three aircraft earlier in the year (2025). We have already closed the procurement of additional three due to arrive any moment from now, but certainly before Christmas. So we currently have six aircraft.”
Mbah said the 2026 procurement drive would complete the expansion sequence. “Next year, we will acquire an additional 14 aircraft… that would bring our total fleet to 20,” he told the Assembly.
The governor noted that Enugu Air had become both “an economic enabler and a strategic platform for our emergence as a regional hub.”
Beyond aviation, he also detailed plans to strengthen the state’s road transport system, including the construction of five new transport terminals, as well as the procurement of 2,000 sedans for city taxi operations.
Mbah concluded by hinting that the expanded air and transport infrastructure would bolster Enugu’s growing transportation ambitions.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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