Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform | October 13, 2026
ENUGU State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has called on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to prioritise the development of a regional high-pressure gas pipeline, an inter-state railway network and initiatives capable of accelerating industrialisation across the South-East geopolitical zone.
The governor made the call on Monday while receiving the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, led by its Chairman, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, at the Government House, Enugu. The delegation was accompanied by the management of the commission, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Mark Okoye, as part of its oversight visit to assess the commission’s programmes and projects.
Governor Mbah described the commission as a strategic platform for addressing the region’s development needs, stressing the importance of adequate funding to enable it to deliver on its mandate.
Gas Pipeline to Support Industrial Development
The governor identified a high-pressure gas pipeline connecting major cities across the South-East as a priority infrastructure project that could provide industries with reliable energy supplies, attract investments and support large-scale manufacturing.
According to him, the region should benefit more effectively from gas resources produced within the wider southern part of Nigeria through infrastructure that makes the resource accessible to businesses and industrial operators.
Mbah expressed confidence that the SEDC could coordinate efforts towards implementing a project of such magnitude, with the potential to strengthen the region’s industrial base and create economic opportunities.
Proposed Railway Network to Connect Five South-East States
The governor also advocated an inter-state railway network linking major cities across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.
He explained that the proposed rail system would facilitate the movement of people and goods, promote inter-state trade, improve transportation and reduce pressure on existing road infrastructure.
Mbah called on the South-East states to collaborate on a common railway development plan, with the SEDC serving as a coordinating platform for regional planning and cooperation.
Support for Agriculture and Young Entrepreneurs
Beyond major infrastructure, the governor highlighted the commission’s potential role in advancing agriculture and supporting technology-driven businesses across the region.
He cited the flag-off of a 200-hectare integrated Agro Development Programme at Nomeh Unateze in Enugu State as an example of agricultural intervention, assuring the commission of the state government’s support in creating an enabling environment for the project.
Mbah also urged the SEDC to develop funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs whose businesses have attained the minimum viable product stage, enabling them to expand their operations, create jobs and contribute to economic growth.
He called on members of the Senate Committee to support adequate funding for the commission, describing the proposed interventions as potential drivers of industrial transformation across the South-East.
Senate Committee Commends Enugu’s Development Initiatives
In his remarks, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu commended the Mbah administration’s interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply and transportation.
He highlighted the development of Smart Green Schools, the provision of more than 7,000 classrooms, the establishment of Type II primary healthcare centres across the state’s 260 electoral wards and investments in multimodal transportation.
Kalu also acknowledged efforts to strengthen engagement between the South-East and the Federal Government, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the establishment of the SEDC.
The senator further disclosed that disagreements surrounding the location of the commission’s headquarters had been resolved following the Enugu State Government’s provision of temporary office accommodation and a site for its permanent headquarters.
He assured the governor of the committee’s continued support and disclosed that the committee planned to return in December to assess progress in the commission’s operations.
The proposed gas pipeline and railway network remain among the major infrastructure priorities highlighted during the meeting. Their implementation will depend on planning, coordination, funding and subsequent project execution by the relevant authorities.
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