The Enugu State Government has sealed a $100 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) agreement with WANDE NEXUS, an Austrian firm, aimed at revolutionizing the state’s water infrastructure. The formal signing ceremony, held at the Government House in Enugu, was officiated by Governor Peter Mbah and witnessed by Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger.
Governor Mbah described the agreement as a transformative step toward addressing critical water supply challenges, particularly expanding the reach of water networks to underserved areas. He noted that the project is part of a broader initiative to boost Enugu’s daily water production capacity, which has already increased from 2 million liters to 120 million liters. The ultimate goal is to achieve 200 million liters per day by 2025.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Schlesinger commended Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership and commitment to fostering strong international partnerships. He emphasized that the deal reflects Austria’s confidence in the state’s governance and investment climate.
Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, Chairman of WANDE NEXUS, highlighted the potential impact of the project on public health, economic opportunities, and the quality of life for residents. He stated that the initiative would create 500 direct jobs while also focusing on capacity-building by equipping locals with modern water management skills.
“This project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about empowering communities with access to clean, reliable water, improving overall health standards, and fostering economic development,” Dr. Ugbor said.
Governor Mbah further elaborated on the state’s integrated strategy for sustainable development, noting that investments in water infrastructure align with broader efforts to attract global funding and expertise. He stressed that the partnership would serve as a blueprint for future collaborations aimed at enhancing essential services across the state.
The $100 million investment is expected to modernize Enugu’s water distribution systems, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to clean water for all households. As construction begins, the project is poised to set a benchmark for innovative and impactful public-private partnerships in Nigeria.
