Enugu, EU Deepen Strategic Partnership as Governor Mbah Hosts High-Level Delegation
The Enugu State Government and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across key economic and social sectors, following a high-level diplomatic engagement at the Government House, Enugu. Governor Peter Mbah received the EU delegation during a courtesy visit that underscored growing international confidence in the state’s reform agenda and long-term development vision.
The visiting team was led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, who arrived with the Belgian Ambassador, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, and the Portuguese Ambassador, Mr. Paulos Martins dos Santos, alongside several senior diplomats. The envoys described Enugu as a priority region for the EU’s development cooperation, noting that the bloc is eager to deepen ties in sectors that align directly with the state government’s transformation plans.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Mignot emphasized that the EU sees “significant potential” in scaling up partnership with Enugu State, particularly in areas where ongoing projects have already established strong foundations. He highlighted education and energy as the two primary sectors where the EU has been delivering targeted support.
According to him, Enugu is currently benefiting from several EU-funded initiatives designed to enhance energy access, strengthen healthcare facilities, and build capacity within critical industries. One of the flagship interventions is the Solar for Health programme, implemented by NTU International. Through this project, the EU is providing technical assistance and financing for the construction of 20 solar microgrids that will power primary healthcare centers and 124 small- and medium-sized enterprises across the state.
Mignot also referenced additional energy initiatives, including the Small Hydro Power for Agro-Industrial Sectors Project implemented by UNIDO, and the Nigeria Energy Support Programme executed by GIZ. These programs include electrification support, investment facilitation, training, and the installation of interconnected mini-grids with a combined capacity of up to 1 MW—expected to serve at least 1,000 beneficiaries.
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Beyond the energy sector, Mignot announced that Enugu has been selected as one of the states participating in the EU-UNESCO programme, Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria – Enhance, Integrate, and Strengthen Systems (EISS). The initiative focuses on training teachers in Smart Green Schools and will continue until June 2028.
He also noted the EU’s ongoing cultural partnership with the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival, hosted annually in Enugu. Through this collaboration, emerging filmmakers receive training, grants, and opportunities to produce short films showcased at the festival.
Belgium’s Ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt, highlighted his country’s longstanding economic ties with Enugu, particularly through Emenite Limited—a joint Nigeria-Belgium venture established in 1961. The company, which employs more than 300 residents, remains a major industrial contributor in the region. Leenknegt stressed the importance of strengthening such legacy partnerships to expand economic opportunities.
Ambassador Martins dos Santos of Portugal reaffirmed his country’s strong interest in Nigeria’s energy, infrastructure, and agricultural sectors. He emphasized that the EU’s footprint in Nigeria is “vast and multidimensional,” and expressed optimism about new areas of collaboration with Enugu State.
In his response, Governor Mbah thanked the EU for its sustained support, noting that many of its programmes align directly with his administration’s development priorities. He pointed to the government’s decision to allocate more than 33 percent of the state budget to education as a strategic investment in Enugu’s future competitiveness.
“We are committed to equipping our children with the skills they need to thrive in the global economy. If we fail to invest now, we will pay a greater cost later,” the governor said.
Mbah also invited EU member states to explore investment opportunities in aviation, gas, and energy, noting that Enugu’s business environment is rapidly evolving. He highlighted the launch of Enugu Air and the impending activation of the international wing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which will attract additional international carriers and expand regional connectivity.
“We are open for business, and we are committed to ensuring that every investment in Enugu succeeds,” the governor assured.
With both sides reaffirming their commitment, the visit marks another step in strengthening Enugu’s international partnerships and unlocking new avenues for sustainable development.