… Plant to create 5,000 jobs, produce 100 cubic metres of oxygen, 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour
… Nitrogen, argon gas; carbon dioxide, CNG stations in the pipeline
… Dr. Uduji: Mbah, Nehemiah of our time, rebuilding broken walls
… Kanayo O. Kanayo: Security is working in Enugu
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday unveiled the revamped Nigergas Company Limited, restored and upgraded by his administration after lying dormant for over three decades.
Mbah announced that Nigergas had already provided direct employment for more than one hundred skilled and semi-skilled workers, with projections to generate over 5,000 indirect jobs in distribution, fabrication, transport, and supply chains.
He emphasized that the revival of Nigergas, which was originally established in 1962 under the administration of Dr. Michael Okpara but later abandoned, reflected his government’s determination to breathe life into moribund state-owned assets and drive economic growth from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
“What we have revived and unveiled today is not simply metal and a network of pipes; it is the restoration of purpose, dignity and productivity to a site that once symbolised Eastern Nigeria’s industrial promise.
When we speak of the goal to grow our GDP from $4.4bn to $30bn, it is not mere posturing. It is rooted in the conviction that Enugu can become a truly diversified, self-reliant economy, if we muster the will to do things differently to launch us to the future we dream of,” he stated.
On the rehabilitation and expansion strategy for Nigergas, Mbah explained:
“We approved a full rehabilitation scheme and a management model that blends public ownership with private-sector performance discipline.
The intention was clear: retain public ownership, but run the facility on modern, accountable, commercially viable lines.
So, today, Nigergas returns to production with modernised equipment and clear technical specifications designed to meet immediate healthcare and industry needs.”
He further disclosed that the plant’s upgraded capacity would ensure steady local supply of medical and industrial gases, reducing dependence on expensive, distant suppliers.
“Crucially, the plant will supply liquid oxygen, medical and industrial oxygen, and acetylene gas to our hospitals, welders, agro-processors and manufacturers, improving clinical outcomes and reducing production costs for businesses that are the backbone of local livelihoods.
The new plant has a capacity to produce 100 cubic metres of oxygen per hour; and 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour.
We will soon bring on stream these additional products: nitrogen; argon gas; carbon dioxide; and CNG stations,” Mbah said.
The Governor stressed that the restoration of Nigergas would guarantee access to life-saving medical oxygen, affordable industrial gases for manufacturers, and stronger revenue streams for the state.
“These improvements ripple outward: increased industrial activity strengthens our revenue base, and deepens opportunities for MSMEs,” he added.
Mbah commended the Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Authority and Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo; the engineering partner, Ten Gas Development Ltd (a division of INDEV GROUP); and the Emene community leaders for their contributions to the project.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo noted that although the company, founded under Dr. Okpara’s administration in partnership with Siad Machine Impianti, had been crippled for over 30 years due to mismanagement, misappropriation, nepotism, and weak governance, Governor Mbah had rekindled its original vision.
The Managing Director of Ten Gas Development Ltd., Chief Chike Madueke, highlighted that the revived Nigergas would also serve as a training hub, providing thousands of jobs for Enugu’s youth.
Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu; health consultant, Dr. Joy Uduji; Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Pastor Beloved Dan Anike; and businessman, Engr. George Ndubeze Ugwu, all applauded Mbah for restoring abandoned state assets while building infrastructure that improves lives and empowers businesses.
“You are the Nehemiah of our time. Like Nehemiah, who came and supervised the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, you have also come to rebuild Enugu State,” Dr. Uduji declared.
Also speaking, Nollywood veteran actor and filmmaker, Kanayo O. Kanayo, praised the Governor for strengthening security in the state.
“It is not praise-singing, security is working here because when I come to make movies here, we usually stay out late into the night at Nike, and we are safe,” he said.
