Our Reporter, Abuja
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Thursday unveiled the revived Nigergas Company Limited, marking the return of one of Eastern Nigeria’s historic industrial giants after more than 30 years of dormancy.
The Governor, in a statement shared on his official X handle, said the plant has already created over 100 direct jobs for skilled and semi-skilled workers, while an estimated 5,000 indirect jobs are expected across distribution, fabrication, transportation, and other sectors in the supply chain.
“What we revived today is not merely steel and pipes, but the restoration of purpose, dignity, and productivity to a site that once symbolized Eastern Nigeria’s industrial promise,” Mbah declared.
He said the revival of Nigergas aligns with his administration’s bold economic vision to grow Enugu’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, stressing that the project was a practical demonstration of his commitment to building a diversified, self-reliant economy.
The Governor explained that the rehabilitation of Nigergas was carried out under a new management model that combines public ownership with private-sector performance discipline, ensuring modern, accountable, and commercially viable operations.
According to him, the upgraded facility now produces 100 cubic metres of oxygen per hour and 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour, with additional product lines—such as nitrogen, argon gas, carbon dioxide, and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations—set to come on stream soon.
Mbah said the plant would guarantee a steady local supply of medical oxygen, reducing dependence on distant and costly sources, while also providing reliable industrial gases to welders, agro-processors, and manufacturers.
“This facility will improve clinical outcomes, reduce production costs, power small businesses, and strengthen our revenue base. Its impact will ripple across the economy, creating fresh opportunities for MSMEs,” he said.
The Governor commended the Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Authority and Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo; Ten Gas Development Ltd, the engineering firm; and the Emene community leaders for their roles in the project’s success.
Reaffirming his commitment to industrial revival, Mbah said: “We shall continue to make Enugu a hub of opportunity, industry, and service delivery. Tomorrow is here.”
