ESMATA Leaders Cite Market Infrastructure, Improved Business Conditions as Governor Outlines Plans for Cargo Terminal and Direct China Trade.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — October 26, 2026.
ENUGU — Market leaders across Enugu State, under the umbrella of the Enugu State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ESMATA), have reaffirmed their support for Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The traders expressed their position during a stakeholders’ meeting with the governor on Friday, October 23, 2026, attended by chairmen and secretaries representing more than 50 markets across the state. The engagement provided an opportunity for market leaders to discuss the administration’s interventions in the commercial sector, identify ongoing challenges and explore opportunities for expanding business activities.
Led by ESMATA President, Chief Chinwuba Igwesi, the market leaders attributed their support to what they described as improvements in market infrastructure, the restoration of regular Monday trading activities and policies aimed at creating a more conducive environment for businesses.
ESMATA Highlights Market Development and Traders’ Welfare
Speaking on behalf of the association, Igwesi said traders across the 17 local government areas were prepared to support Mbah’s re-election bid, pointing to the administration’s engagement with the trading community and its interventions in markets across the state.
He commended the government for efforts to restore regular commercial activities on Mondays, saying the development had helped traders recover business opportunities previously lost during sit-at-home disruptions.
According to the ESMATA president, the resumption of normal trading activities throughout the week has provided traders with more opportunities to serve customers, generate income and sustain their businesses.
Igwesi also acknowledged interventions involving the provision of transformers to markets experiencing electricity challenges, improvements to internal market roads and the installation of solar-powered streetlights to enhance visibility and security.
Other initiatives acknowledged by the market leaders included the construction of toilet facilities in markets, the provision of utility vehicles to market leadership and the appointment of some market representatives to government positions.
The ESMATA leadership further discussed taxation and the administration’s approach to consolidating tax payments, with Igwesi explaining that traders were willing to meet their tax obligations while seeking a business environment that supports commercial growth.
Mbah Unveils Plans to Expand Commercial Opportunities
Responding to the traders, Governor Mbah thanked the market leaders for their engagement and reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities, improving infrastructure and strengthening Enugu State’s position as a commercial and investment destination.
A major highlight of the meeting was the governor’s disclosure of plans to develop a cargo terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to improve the movement of goods and connect local businesses with international markets.
Mbah also outlined plans for direct cargo operations between Enugu and China, an initiative intended to make international sourcing more accessible to local traders and potentially reduce some of the logistical challenges associated with importing merchandise.
If implemented effectively, improved cargo connectivity could create additional opportunities for traders, distributors, transport operators and other businesses by facilitating the movement of goods and strengthening access to international supply chains.
The proposed initiatives form part of the administration’s broader economic development agenda, which seeks to attract investment, support local enterprises and expand commercial activities across the state.
Idodo International Market and Local Business Growth
The governor also highlighted the ongoing development of the International Market at Idodo as part of efforts to expand Enugu’s commercial infrastructure.
The proposed market is expected to contribute to the state’s trading environment by providing additional space for commercial activities and creating opportunities for traders, investors and businesses along the wider supply chain.
Discussions at the meeting also touched on the importance of supporting local suppliers. According to Igwesi, the administration’s reported directive encouraging contractors to purchase available construction materials from suppliers within Enugu has helped create opportunities for businesses in the building-materials sector.
Such local procurement initiatives can help retain more commercial transactions within the state, support indigenous enterprises and strengthen the relationship between public infrastructure spending and local economic activity.
Security and Connectivity as Drivers of Commerce
Mbah emphasised the importance of security in building a business-friendly environment and attracting more investors, visitors and commercial operators to Enugu.
He noted that infrastructure development, effective security arrangements and economic planning must work together to position the state for increased commercial activity.
The governor also referenced the International Conference Centre, Enugu, as part of efforts to attract major events and gatherings to the state. Such events can create business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and other service providers.
Reaffirming his administration’s economic ambitions, Mbah restated his target of growing Enugu’s economy from an estimated $4 billion to a $30 billion economy through increased productivity, investment, infrastructure development and support for local businesses.
Accountability and the Future of Enugu’s Trading Sector
The engagement between the state government and ESMATA underscores the importance of sustained dialogue between policymakers and the business community.
For traders, the availability of reliable electricity, accessible roads, improved market facilities, security and efficient supply chains remains central to the sustainability of their businesses.
The proposed cargo terminal, direct cargo operations with China and the development of the Idodo International Market represent initiatives whose implementation and practical benefits will be important to monitor as Enugu pursues its commercial development objectives.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, the support expressed by ESMATA leadership adds to the ongoing political conversations surrounding the administration’s record and future plans. Citizens will continue to assess public policies and development initiatives based on their implementation, measurable outcomes and impact on livelihoods.
The meeting was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Liaison, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mr. Vincent Onyeaboor; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Frank Anioma.
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