Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State recently spoke about the significant potential of the state’s coal deposits during his presentation at the Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) “Meet The Governor Series” held in Lagos on September 18, 2025. He emphasized the strategic importance of these coal reserves for power generation and economic development, positioning them as a cornerstone for Enugu’s industrial growth. Mbah highlighted that the state plans to harness these deposits to generate up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which would bolster energy security and drive economic activities in the region. Mbah also elaborated on the high quality of Enugu’s coal, noting its exceptional characteristics, including a sulfur content of less than 0.5% well below the 1.0% threshold considered acceptable for many applications and a high calorific value. He described the coal as “splendid” for powering electricity plants, underscoring its suitability for efficient and effective energy production. This quality, according to Mbah, makes Enugu’s coal a valuable asset for both local and potentially broader energy markets.

Addressing environmental concerns and the global transition away from fossil fuels, Mbah acknowledged the need for sustainable practices. He stressed that Enugu would employ advanced technology to minimize the environmental impact of coal utilization. Furthermore, he firmly stated that the state would not allow its coal resources to be treated as a “stranded asset” or left unused without fair compensation through negotiations, reflecting a proactive stance in balancing economic benefits with global energy transition demands.