In a bold and unprecedented move, the Enugu State Government has ventured into the highly competitive aviation sector with the unveiling of Enugu Air, an initiative Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration describes as a cultural and economic milestone for the state. The project, however, has sparked intense debate among policy analysts, economists, Enugu people and some public affairs analysts, who were guests on Freedom Square Live, aired on Solid 100.9 FM Enugu, on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Indeed, the analysts dissected the policy implications, fiscal responsibilities, and political consequences of this audacious investment.
Setting the tone for the discussion and analysis, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, Chairman of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, opined that many nations operate airlines not merely for profit but as instruments of national pride and cultural identity. Citing Ethiopian Airlines as a regional model, he maintained that Enugu Air is both a symbol of pride for the people of Enugu and a potentially viable business enterprise. According to him, the airline, projected to begin yielding profits after four years, would integrate seamlessly with the state’s ambitious tourism, conference, and hospitality agenda, which anticipates over three million visitors annually. Dr. Igboke declared that it is a bold initiative,emphasizing that the direct routes planned for Port Harcourt, Owerri, the United Kingdom, and Guangzhou, China, will further position Enugu as a regional economic hub.He stressed that the state’s developmental efforts should be understood as an integrated, multi-sectoral strategy, with Enugu Air complementing other initiatives such as smart schools, farm estates, healthcare reforms, tractor assembly plants, asphalt production, and the Enugu New City project.
“All these projects are designed to address both the needs of the rich and poor strata of the Enugu society.”
Adding his voice, Dr. Chikezie Obasi commended Governor Mbah for, as he put it, “changing the narrative of how leaders think and modelling future leadership.” While acknowledging that the airline business is a high-risk, low-margin venture demanding exceptional efficiency, Obasi praised the government for opening new possibilities through intra-south regional air connectivity, a largely neglected market segment. He emphasized the need for managerial discipline and independence, referencing a remark by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who reportedly advised: “If it’s two minutes and the governor hasn’t arrived, close the door and fly.”
Dr. Obasi cautioned against inefficiencies in maintenance and called for private sector management to ensure operational discipline, arguing that government involvement in daily airline management would be counterproductive. He further recommended legislation to protect strategic public investments from abrupt policy reversals by future administrations.
“There must be a law to prevent any government from waking up one morning and terminating this kind of project outrightly,” he advised, calling for public disclosure of operational costs, leasing terms, and the criteria for selecting XEJet as the technical partner.
On his part, Prof. Chiwuike Uba took a more cautious stance, raising concerns over the fiscal wisdom of allocating a substantial portion of the state’s estimated ₦40 billion capital expenditure to an airline, particularly when existing infrastructure such as secondary schools and health centres are in dire need of rehabilitation. He commended the governor’s smart schools and healthcare projects but questioned the fate of existing facilities. Uba stated that resources might have been better channelled to ventures with quicker returns on investment. He warned against fiscal irresponsibility, insisting that the project should comply with the state’s Fiscal Responsibility Law and undergo rigorous cost-benefit analysis.
“To whom much is given, much is expected not just structurally, but in terms of transparency and public accountability,” he concluded.
Hon. Uchenna Cyril Anioke supported the initiative, maintaining that the plan to extend Enugu Air’s services to both local and international routes was a deliberate effort to democratize air travel and serve both the affluent and the common people.
Mr. Emeka Odom similarly dismissed fears of misadventure, describing the project as strategically aligned with the government’s broader tourism and economic agenda.
“With Enugu Air, people can fly in, transact business, and fly out the same day,” he observed, predicting that the airline’s value chain would stimulate small businesses, including local hawkers. He cautioned, however, against political interference, insisting that appointments in the airline must be based on merit and qualifications, as advised by Minister Keyamo.
“Enugu State will be grateful for the investment being made today in the days to come,” he predicted.
Dr. Chukwudi Anyianuka also endorsed the project, praising it as a reflection of Governor Mbah’s manifesto commitments. He projected that the airline would, within two years, begin generating substantial revenue due to its multiplying and cascading economic effects, particularly with Enugu’s growing profile as a conference destination. He suggested that as passenger traffic increases, operational costs would stabilize, potentially leading to lower ticket prices without compromising management efficiency. He emphasized the strategic convenience and economic opportunities the airline’s international routes would offer, including facilitating agricultural exports.
Clarifying ownership concerns, Hon. Anioke explained that Enugu Air is wholly owned by Enugu State, with XEJet responsible for its technical and managerial operations.
In closing remarks, the analysts largely agreed on the necessity of sustaining this initiative beyond Governor Mbah’s tenure. Dr. Igboke urged the people of Enugu to
“commend and support a government of disruptive innovation,” while Dr. Obasi described Enugu Air as “a dream come true, which must not be allowed to die.”
Prof. Uba reiterated his demand for greater transparency, while Mr. Odom hailed Governor Mbah as “an exceptional leader whose bold initiatives will reshape Enugu’s economic future.” The consensus was clear; Enugu Air represents both an opportunity and a challenge ;one that demands foresight, professionalism, and unwavering political will to endure and deliver on its promise.