The Director-General of the Enugu State Chapter of the Grassroots Development Movement (GDM) and a strong supporter of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration, Comrade Emmanuel Emeka Amadi, has commended the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for what he described as remarkable strides in security, infrastructure, job creation and economic development across the state, while appealing to the Governor to take further steps to unlock Enugu’s enormous economic potential by reviving its night economy and reopening restricted commercial hubs.
Amadi, who spoke from Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, particularly praised Governor Mbah over the recent rescue of victims abducted from a Catholic church community in Affa, Udi Local Government Area, and the subsequent arrest of suspected perpetrators. He described the development as a major boost to public confidence in the administration’s security architecture, noting that the successful operation demonstrated that the government’s investments in modern security technology and equipment were beginning to yield positive results.
He specifically commended the Governor for the acquisition and deployment of security drones and other modern equipment to strengthen surveillance and safeguard lives and property across the state. According to him, the recent security successes should give the government greater confidence to begin dismantling some of the restrictions introduced during periods of heightened insecurity, particularly those affecting night-time transportation and commercial activities.
Amadi appealed to Governor Mbah to review the restrictions on the operation of commercial tricycles and minibuses during night hours, arguing that the policy has had a significant impact on Enugu’s night economy. He recalled that the previous administration restricted the movement of commercial transport operators from about 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as part of measures to address insecurity, but argued that the improved security situation under the present administration provides an opportunity to reconsider such restrictions.
He said lifting or substantially reviewing the night-time transportation restrictions would demonstrate that Enugu has moved beyond the atmosphere of fear and insecurity that necessitated some of the measures in the past. He noted that many residents, particularly low- and middle-income earners who do not own private vehicles, depend almost entirely on commercial minibuses and tricycles for transportation and are effectively excluded from Enugu’s night economy when public transportation is unavailable.
According to Amadi, Enugu has historically been known for its vibrant nightlife, with restaurants, hotels, bars, lounges, beer parlours, relaxation centres, entertainment venues and other businesses contributing significantly to the local economy. He expressed concern that several of these businesses are gradually shutting down or operating below capacity because customers are unable to move conveniently at night. He added that high taxes and other financial pressures on hospitality businesses have compounded the problem, making it increasingly difficult for privately owned relaxation centres and small businesses to remain profitable.
He therefore urged the Governor to consider a comprehensive approach to restoring Enugu’s night economy through regulated night transportation, improved security patrols, adequate street lighting and clear operating guidelines for businesses. He stressed that restoring nightlife should not mean compromising security, but rather using the improved security environment to responsibly expand legitimate economic activities.
Amadi also appealed to Governor Mbah to review the continued restriction of commercial activities in areas such as the Abakpa Timber and Building Materials markets along the Nike-Lake Double Lane axis and other affected commercial locations across Enugu State. He argued that these markets have historically provided livelihoods for thousands of traders, artisans, transport operators, apprentices, suppliers and other residents whose incomes depend directly or indirectly on commercial activities in the areas.
He maintained that government should balance urban planning and traffic management with the need to protect livelihoods and encourage business growth. According to him, traffic congestion in Enugu urban should primarily be tackled through quality road infrastructure, effective traffic management, urban planning and enforcement of appropriate regulations rather than by suppressing legitimate commercial activities.
“Government should provide roads, security and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. If there are challenges with traffic or urban planning around commercial areas, the solution should be proper infrastructure and effective regulation, not policies that unnecessarily cripple businesses and destroy livelihoods,” he said.
The GDM leader also praised Governor Mbah for his efforts to end the illegal sit-at-home order in Enugu, saying the policy had previously inflicted enormous damage on businesses and restricted the freedom of residents. He appealed to the Governor to apply the same philosophy of restoring freedom of movement and economic activity to the review of night-time transportation restrictions.
Amadi argued that a city cannot fully enjoy the benefits of improved security if its economic activities remain constrained by restrictions introduced under completely different security circumstances. He said the restoration of night transportation would provide significant relief to hoteliers, restaurant owners, entertainment operators, night vendors, transport workers and thousands of other residents whose businesses depend on evening and night-time patronage.
He further commended Governor Mbah for his broader development agenda, including road infrastructure, aviation-related initiatives, employment opportunities, acquisition of modern security equipment, education reforms, Smart Schools and industrialisation programmes, saying the initiatives were laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Enugu.
According to him, the Governor’s investments in infrastructure and human capital can produce even greater results if complemented by policies that allow existing businesses to expand and new enterprises to emerge. He stressed that economic development should ultimately be measured by how easily ordinary citizens can establish businesses, create jobs, earn incomes and improve their standard of living.
“Enugu is the centre of the Eastern region and a major commercial gateway to the South-East. Any policy that unnecessarily blocks legitimate economic activities risks weakening the entire regional economy. Enugu must be positioned as a city where people can work, trade, invest, entertain themselves and move around safely at all hours,” he said.
Amadi called for a deliberate policy framework that would make Enugu one of the safest and most economically active cities in Nigeria, combining modern security systems with business-friendly regulations and infrastructure. He said the government could work with transport unions, security agencies, hospitality operators, traders, market associations and community leaders to establish a regulated night economy that protects both security and economic interests.
He expressed confidence that Governor Mbah, whom he credited with demonstrating political will in confronting difficult challenges, would consider the appeal and take decisive steps to reopen affected markets, review night-time transportation restrictions and reduce unnecessary barriers to legitimate businesses.
Amadi concluded by thanking Governor Mbah for the successful rescue of the Affa victims and the arrest of the suspected kidnappers, while reaffirming his support for the administration’s development agenda.
“Governor Mbah, give Enugu businesses room to thrive. Let security translate into economic freedom. Let our markets reopen, let our night economy return and let Enugu reclaim its position as a safe, vibrant and prosperous commercial city,” he said.
FOUNTAINCARE MEDIA_
