Fascinating History of Enugu State: From Coal Camp to City Capital

Mercy Idoko IfunanyaOctober 5, 202501.1K views

When you hear “Coal City, Nigeria,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s Enugu. But the history of Enugu State is more than just coal. It is a story of struggle, growth, and pride.

Long ago, Enugu was only a small camp where coal was found. Coal-lit trains powered homes and brought people from many parts of Nigeria.

From that camp grew a city, and from the city came the capital of the Eastern Region.

From those early days, Enugu earned the nickname “Coal City, Nigeria.”

The Land and the Coal

Enugu is situated on the Udi Hills in Southeastern Nigeria. The hills are rich in coal, a black rock that burns to give energy.

In 1909, a British engineer named Albert Kitson found coal while studying the rocks. This discovery changed everything when it came to the history of Enugu State. What was once quiet farmland soon became the centre of attention.

The Udi Ridge made it easy to mine, and the land drew workers from near and far. Villages around the hills saw the construction of new roads, camps, and railway tracks.

Coal was more than just a simple mineral. It was the reason people started moving to Enugu. It provided employment opportunities, attracted traders, and laid the foundation for the establishment of a new town.

From Camp to Colliery: Early Town Growth

Enugu began as a small mining camp after the discovery of coal. Initially, it consisted of just a few huts and rough shelters.

However, by 1915, the British had established the first government-owned colliery to mine coal in large quantities.

The railway soon connected Enugu to Port Harcourt. This was an essential moment in the history of Enugu State. Coal could now be moved to ships at the port and sent across Nigeria and beyond.

The railway also brought more workers, traders, and families to Enugu.

The camp grew fast. Markets opened. Roads were built. People from different parts of Nigeria came to work in the mines.

Some came from nearby Igbo towns, while others travelled from the north and west.

Enugu was no longer just a camp. It was becoming a busy town, shaped by coal and the railway line that linked it to the broader world.

Labour, Protest, and the Iva Valley Massacre

By the 1940s, coal was at the heart of Enugu. The mines were bustling, and the town was teeming with workers.

However, life for the miners was complicated. They worked long hours underground, earning little pay and facing poor working conditions.

The workers began to speak up. They sought better wages, safer working conditions, and respect. Tension grew between the miners and the colonial officers who ran the mines.

On 18 November 1949, at the Iva Valley mine, the protest turned tragic. Striking miners gathered to demand fairness.

Armed colonial police opened fire. Many miners were killed, and others were wounded.

The Iva Valley Massacre marked a pivotal moment in the history of Enugu State. It shocked Nigeria and angered people about colonial rule.

It also gave strength to the fight for workers’ rights and for Nigeria’s independence.

For Enugu, the memory of that day lives on. It serves as a poignant reminder of the price paid for justice and freedom.

Administration and Regional Capital

The history of Enugu State isn’t just about coal anymore. As Enugu grew, it evolved into more than just a mining town. The British colonial government saw its importance. The railway, the coal, and the rising population made it the perfect place for administration.

By the 1930s, Enugu was already a centre of government in the east. Offices were built. Roads were planned.

The Government Reserved Area (GRA) became home to colonial officials. The city started to look more organised and modern compared to many other towns at the time.

Later, Enugu was made the capital of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. From here, big decisions were made that affected millions of people. The city was no longer just about coal. It became a hub of political and cultural activity.

In 1967, during the Nigerian Civil War, Enugu briefly served as the first capital of Biafra. Although the war brought pain and loss, it highlighted the city’s significant place in Nigeria’s history.

The Nigerian Coal Corporation and Economic Peak

In 1950, the Nigerian Coal Corporation (NCC) was set up. This marked a significant milestone in the history of Enugu State. Its job was to manage all coal mining in Enugu and nearby areas. With the NCC in charge, coal became a big business.

Mines like Ogbete, Onyeama, and Okpara were busy every day. Thousands of workers earned their living there.

Trains, factories, and even electricity were powered by coal in some places. For many years, Enugu was the energy heart of Nigeria.

The city grew richer and busier. Schools, hospitals, and markets expanded. Families moved in, not only for mining jobs but also for trading and services. Enugu was now a real city, not just a mining camp.

But this success did not last forever. After the Nigerian Civil War, coal production began to drop.

Oil became the new star of the economy, and coal slowly lost its place. Still, the memory of those booming years remains a proud part of Enugu’s story.

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War, Capture, and Aftermath

In 1967, Nigeria entered a dark chapter, which was the Civil War. Enugu, as the capital of the Eastern Region, also became the first capital of the Republic of Biafra.

For a few months, the city was the heart of the new republic. Leaders met here. Plans were made. The city carried the hopes of many people.

But by October 1967, federal troops had captured Enugu. The takeover changed the history of Enugu State and the city’s life overnight. Many families fled. Some lost their homes. Coal mines were abandoned or damaged. Businesses stopped.

When the war ended in 1970, Enugu had to rebuild. The once-bustling coal industry never regained its former strength.

Yet, the city rose again, this time leaning more on trade, services, and government work than on coal.

The war left scars, but it also showed the strength of the people of Enugu.

Enugu State Creation and Modern Politics

For many years, Enugu was part of a bigger region. First, it was the capital of the Eastern Region. Later, it became part of Anambra State.

On 27 August 1991, Enugu State was officially created by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.

This gave the city and the surrounding towns their own identity. Enugu city became the state capital.

The first administrator of the new state was Group Captain Joseph Abulu, a military officer who laid the early structures of governance.

After him, other military administrators also ruled until Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999.

In the democratic era, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani became the first elected civilian governor of Enugu State. He served from 1999 to 2007. His government focused on health, roads, and education.

The new state included areas such as Nsukka, Awgu, and Udi, each contributing its unique culture and resources. With this, Enugu State became a strong voice in the South East.

Coal was no longer the primary source of income. People turned more to trade, farming, education, and government jobs. The University of Nigeria, in Nsukka, became a centre of learning and pride for the state.

Today, the history of Enugu State is known not only as the “Coal City State,” but also as a place of culture, politics, and education. Its creation gave the people more control over their growth and future.

Conclusion

The History of Enugu State reveals how far the city has progressed from a coal camp on the Udi Hills to a state capital with a rich culture and proud people. It is a story of strength, change, and hope.

Share this story with friends, students, or anyone interested in Nigerian history. May the history of Enugu State continue to inspire new generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When Was Enugu State Created?

Enugu State was created on 27 August 1991.

2. Why Is Enugu Called The Coal City?

It is called Coal City because coal was first discovered there in 1909, and the city grew around the coal mining industry.

3. Who Was The First Governor Of Enugu State?

The first military administrator was Group Captain Joseph Abulu in 1991. The first elected civilian governor was Dr Chimaroke Nnamani in 1999.

4. What Is Enugu State Known For Today?

Enugu State is known for education, politics, rich Igbo culture, and trade. It is also remembered for its coal mining history.

5. Was Enugu Ever A Regional Capital?

Yes. Enugu was the capital of Nigeria’s Eastern Region and later served as the first capital of Biafra from 1967.