By Ngozi MaryAnn Ngene

The Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has received a technical delegation from the Directorate of Public Building and Maintenance Department of the Abia State Ministry of Lands and Housing on a knowledge-sharing and understudy visit.

The Abia team visited Enugu to understudy some of the state’s landmark projects and to gain deeper insight into its approach to public building standards, estate management, and facility maintenance strategies.

As part of the programme, the delegation was taken on a comprehensive tour of major projects across the state, providing first-hand exposure to the scale and quality of the infrastructure transformation currently underway. The visit concluded with a high-level session at the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for in-depth discussions on shared experiences and opportunities for collaboration.

In his speech, the Honourable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ben Osy Okoh, FNSE, F.ASCE, noted that under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Enugu State has become one of the fastest-growing construction hubs in Africa. He highlighted that the government’s vision goes beyond physical projects to positioning Enugu as a premier destination for business, investment, and tourism. He explained that thousands of projects are currently being executed across all local government areas, reflecting the administration’s dynamic drive for rapid and inclusive development.

Engr. Okoh added that the knowledge-sharing visit reflects the importance of inter-state collaboration, mutual learning, and the transfer of transformative ideas that drive sustainable development. He commended the Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, describing him as a visionary leader whose bold reforms and firm commitment to quality infrastructure have set Enugu apart as a model of excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

The Abia State delegation, led by the Head of the Directorate of Public Building and Maintenance in the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Arc. Obasi Kelechi, toured landmark facilities including:

The International Conference Centre

The International Conference Centre Hotel

The Holy Ghost 1 and 2 Bus Terminals

Speaking during the tour, Arc. Obasi Kelechi praised the Enugu State Government for its outstanding pace of infrastructural development and the warm hospitality extended to the delegation.

“What we have seen is beyond expectation. The speed, the scale, and the quality of development are remarkable. For instance, a five-star standard project that began just over a year ago has already reached impressive levels of completion. This is proof of capacity and visionary leadership. Governor Mbah is truly a pacesetter, and this visit has changed our mindset about what is possible,” he remarked.

He assured that the lessons learned from Enugu would be conveyed to the Abia State Commissioner and the State Executive Council, with a view to replicating best practices in Abia’s public building and maintenance efforts.