To Look Like LAGOS
Enugu State is undergoing a significant transformation, under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and at the heart of this evolution is Dr. Obi Ozor, the state’s Commissioner for Transportation. Appointed in August 2023, Ozor, who previously served as the CEO of Kobo 360, a tech-driven logistics company, brings his wealth of experience to the public sector.
His vision for the state’s transportation infrastructure aligns with that of Governor Mbah, whose mandate is to modernize Enugu and position it as the most liveable city in Nigeria. Under the leadership of both Governor Mbah and Dr. Ozor, Enugu is set to become a world-class urban city that is efficient, sustainable, and attractive to both investors and residents.
The transformation of Enugu goes far beyond just upgrading roads and bus terminals. “We’re not just building roads and terminals, we’re building a future-ready city,” says Dr. Ozor. His ambition is to create a modern urban center that reflects the state’s potential while fostering a vibrant economy. One of the most significant initiatives under his leadership is the Transport Infrastructure Project (TIP), a far-reaching effort to overhaul Enugu’s transportation landscape.
The TIP includes the construction of ultra-modern bus terminals in Enugu, Nsukka, and other major towns. In addition, the project will see the creation of city gates that reflect the cultural identity of the state, transport interchanges, smart logistics hubs, and a fully automated rail system that will connect Enugu with neighboring regions. The project also marks the introduction of eco-friendly Compressed Natural Gas, CNG buses, an innovative first for Enugu. These buses are designed to reduce emissions and contribute to cleaner air in the city.
Transport is the backbone of any modern city, and the vision for Enugu as a New City is tightly integrated with transportation infrastructure. “Transport is key to urbanization. You can’t talk about urbanization without an efficient transport system,” Dr. Ozor explains. The New Enugu City project spans over 9,000 hectares and is built with a focus on modern urban planning, smart grids, underground utilities, and dedicated economic zones. As part of this development, the transportation infrastructure being implemented will ensure smooth movement for both residents and visitors. From pedestrian networks and rail systems to Bus Rapid Transit, BRT lanes and smart ticketing, the transport network will form a seamless experience powered by technology.
The connection between transport and the New Enugu City project is clear. Dr. Ozor’s team is working to integrate these various elements from the ground up. He notes, “Our role as the transport ministry is to ensure seamless movement within and outside this city, so we’re integrating transport planning into every stage, pedestrian networks, rail, BRT systems, smart ticketing, all powered by technology.”
In line with this integrated transport vision, Governor Peter Mbah recently acquired a fleet of BRT buses as part of his administration’s broader transport reform. These buses are not just a visual representation of the state’s commitment to modern infrastructure, they are part of a structured plan to ensure mobility across Enugu becomes faster, safer, and more accessible.
The BRT buses will operate on dedicated corridors within the city and connect key transport terminals, economic hubs, and residential districts. Governor Mbah’s plan is to make mass transit more reliable, reduce congestion, and offer affordable transport options to the people of Enugu, while also phasing in cleaner, greener mobility solutions like the eco-friendly CNG buses.
Digital transformation is central to the modernization of Enugu, and Dr. Ozor’s approach integrates technology into every facet of the state’s transport system. “We are digitizing everything, from driver licensing and vehicle inspection to public transport access and logistics,” he explains. A key part of this effort is the establishment of the Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre, CVIC, which was recently launched in Enugu, with plans for further centers to follow. This initiative is paired with the creation of a Transport Data Control Centre, which will help monitor traffic, fleet activity, and commuter patterns in real-time, allowing for smarter decision-making and improved safety across the city.
This strategic use of technology aims to ensure that Enugu’s transportation system is not only modern but also efficient. By leveraging data, the state can optimize traffic flow, predict congestion, and enhance the overall travel experience for residents and visitors alike.
As the state undertakes such a vast overhaul of its transportation infrastructure, Dr. Ozor is keen to ensure that Enugu’s residents directly benefit from these changes. “These projects are not just about infrastructure, they’re economic engines,” he says. The Transport Infrastructure Project alone is expected to create over 11,000 direct jobs and thousands more indirectly, in fields ranging from construction to technology and logistics. In addition, the state is working with local transport unions to retrain drivers and operators to meet new standards, ensuring that no one is left behind in this transformation.
Beyond job creation, the modernization effort is expected to foster a new economic landscape, with opportunities in urban development, tourism, and trade. The introduction of CNG buses and other eco-friendly initiatives is expected to reduce pollution, improve public health, and enhance the overall quality of life in Enugu.
Despite the ambitious nature of these projects, Dr. Ozor acknowledges that there are real challenges in the path to modernizing Enugu. These challenges include funding, logistics, and potential resistance from the public, especially those who are accustomed to the old ways of doing things. However, he remains confident in the approach that has been taken. “We’re tackling them with innovation, partnerships, and transparency,” Dr. Ozor explains.
Public-Private Partnerships, PPP have become an essential part of the funding strategy for some projects, allowing the state to leverage private sector investment and expertise in constructing modern transport terminals and implementing technological systems. Additionally, Dr. Ozor and his team are engaging with key stakeholders, such as transport unions, community leaders, and market stakeholders, to ensure that they are informed and involved in the process. “Enugu belongs to all of us,” he says, stressing the importance of collaboration in achieving the state’s goals.
For Dr. Ozor, one of the most rewarding aspects of his work so far has been the shift in mindset among the people of Enugu. “Today, people in Enugu believe that transformation is possible,” he says. As new transport terminals take shape and CNG buses make their way through the city, the citizens are beginning to see tangible proof of the progress being made. “Infrastructure is visible, yes, but the real success is restoring that belief in progress,” he adds.
This shift in mindset is vital to the long-term success of the modernization efforts. When residents see that their city is changing for the better, they become more invested in the transformation, supporting the projects and being active participants in the process.
In addition to the infrastructure developments on the ground, Enugu is preparing to take to the skies with the launch of Enugu Air, a state-backed airline set to begin operations in May 2025. This initiative, which is part of a broader strategy to improve connectivity and boost economic prospects, is expected to drive tourism, create jobs, and further position Enugu as a key player in regional and global trade.
The state government is also making significant strides in its efforts to enhance transportation connectivity. Dr. Ozor’s team is working on a 135.5-kilometer standard gauge rail line, which will connect Enugu to other South-East cities and provide a direct link to the Onne Port in Rivers State. This rail project is expected to play a vital role in positioning Enugu as a central hub for trade and logistics in the region.
Dr. Ozor has also clarified a crucial concern shared by many in the state regarding the future of tricycles and mini buses in Enugu’s evolving transport landscape. He stated, “We are not phasing out tricycles and mini buses in the state. The city buses will be running terminal to terminal… tricycles are meant to do what is called last mile.” This thoughtful integration ensures that the transportation network remains inclusive and that local operators continue to play a meaningful role in the new system.
Dr. Ozor’s vision for Enugu’s future reflects his deep commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready city. His efforts align perfectly with the bold vision of Governor Peter Mbah, who has empowered him to lead the charge in modernizing the state’s infrastructure. Together, they are transforming Enugu into a world-class urban center, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach to urban planning.
For Dr. Ozor, the message is clear: “This is our time. Enugu is rising, and we want every resident to rise with it. I urge everyone to be patient, support the process, and stay involved. The city we’re building is for you, your children, and generations to come.”
As Enugu’s transformation continues, it is evident that both the leadership of Governor Mbah and the strategic direction set by Dr. Ozor will pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all the state’s residents.
By Benprince Ezeh
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