The “New Enugu City” project (often referred to as the Enugu Smart City) is the cornerstone of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s plan to transform the state into a $30 billion economy. As of early 2026, the project has moved from conceptual blueprints to active, high-speed construction, though it remains in its early foundational phases.
Below is a fact-check comparing the government’s official promises against the tangible progress recorded on the ground.
1. Official Announcements vs. Real-World Progress
| Feature | Official Government Target (2024–2026) | On-Ground Status (January 2026) |
| Primary Infrastructure | Complete first phase of roads and utilities by late 2025/early 2026. | Active Construction. Major access roads (dual carriageway) are asphalted; water pipe laying and pedestrian walkways are visible. |
| Housing Units | Deliver 15,000 mass housing units by 2026 (Phase 1). | Early Stage. Land clearing and site preparation for the first 1,000 hectares are complete; construction of initial blocks is underway. |
| Smart Schools | Construct 260 “Smart Green Schools” across all wards. | Near Completion. Most schools are at the finishing stage, featuring digital labs and solar power; some are already operational. |
| Water Supply | 24/7 water supply to the new city and urban Enugu. | Improved. The 9th Mile 24/7 Water Scheme is operational, boosting daily capacity to 120 million liters. |
2. Key Project Pillars: Fact-Checked
The “New Enugu City” (Greenfield Development)
The government initially announced a partnership with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) to develop a 9,730-hectare site spanning five LGAs.
- The Claim: A “Dubai-style” city with three islands (Happy Island, Vitality Bay, and Innovation Park).
- The Reality: While “Dubai-style” is an ambitious branding term, the engineering is significant. Independent reports from early 2026 confirm that the first 26 square kilometers are actively being built out with centralized utilities (sewage and high-speed internet ducts) being laid before major vertical construction begins.
The Smart Green Schools Initiative
- The Claim: One smart school in every ward (260 total) to eliminate poverty through tech-driven education.
- The Reality: This is the most “visible” part of the smart city project. Unlike the residential city, which is still a construction site, these schools are tangible. Over 200 are reported to be at or near completion, equipped with interactive whiteboards and solar energy systems.
Economic & Legal Status
- The Claim: The project will generate over ₦300 billion in revenue through leases and asset sales in 2026.
- The Reality: The 2026 budget (₦1.62 trillion) leans heavily on these “Capital Receipts.” This is a high-stakes financial move. If the property market or investor interest lags, the state may face a significant revenue shortfall.
3. Lingering Challenges & “The Centenary City” Confusion
It is vital to distinguish between the New Enugu City (Mbah’s project) and the older Enugu Lifestyle and Golf City (Centenary City).
- Centenary City: This 2014-era project has been plagued by legal battles and recent demolitions (2024) of “illegal structures” that deviated from the master plan.
- New Enugu City: This is a separate, government-led greenfield project. However, land-grabber issues in surrounding areas like Obeagu/Amechi remain a point of friction that the government is currently managing through an Inter-Ministerial Committee for Compensation.
The Verdict
The Enugu Smart City project is not “vaporware”; it has transitioned into a massive civil engineering project. However, the vision of a fully functioning “smart city” with 15,000 residents living in tech-integrated homes is still 12–24 months away from full realization. The infrastructure (roads, water, and schools) is arriving first, while the residential and commercial “smart” features are currently in the heavy construction phase.
Note: The 2026 budget allocates 80% to capital expenditure, suggesting that the “speed of execution” is the administration’s primary focus for the remainder of the year.