Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria Local Content Development and Monitoring has expressed satisfaction with the industrial strides of Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd, an indigenous electrical cable manufacturer based in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The Committee, led by its Chairperson, Hon. Boma Goodhead, made the commendation during an oversight visit to the company on Thursday. Goodhead lauded Zobis Cable for its strict adherence to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, adoption of modern production technologies, and strong commitment to value addition and import substitution.
Inspecting the company’s facilities, Goodhead said Zobis Cable exemplifies the spirit of Nigerian content — “Made in Nigeria, trusted by the world” — describing it as one of the country’s leading indigenous electrical cable manufacturers.
She noted that the company’s operations reflect Nigerian ingenuity, technical excellence, and a firm commitment to national industrial growth.
“As a Committee of the National Assembly, we are particularly impressed with the company’s compliance with the NOGICD Act, its use of modern technology, and its ambitious drive toward value addition and import substitution,” she said.
“The scale of investment here shows that indigenous manufacturers are ready to compete globally if given the right policy support, visibility, and access to the oil and gas value chain.”
Goodhead emphasized that the company’s progress aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s industrial transformation agenda under the Presidential Directives on ‘Nigeria’s First Goods and Services.’
According to her, the President has mandated all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies — especially those in the oil, gas, power, and infrastructure sectors — to prioritize locally manufactured goods and services as a strategy for sustainable growth, job creation, and technological self-reliance.
She added that the Committee’s visit was part of its legislative mandate to promote, monitor, and strengthen local content participation across the country.
“Highlighting companies like Zobis Cable sends a clear message that the era of dependence on imported cables and electrical materials must give way to Nigerian industrial self-reliance and home-grown technological advancement,” she stated.
Goodhead assured the company of the National Assembly’s continued legislative and policy support to enhance local production, attract investment, and ensure Nigerian products receive due recognition and patronage from operators and regulators in the oil and gas industry.
Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, who accompanied the team, expressed delight at the company’s progress, noting that it aligns with the government’s Made-in-Nigeria policy.
He revealed plans for a new industrial city spanning over 4,000 hectares in the state, designed to create an economic hub and expansion opportunities for indigenous manufacturers like Zobis Cables.
“In Anambra, we are expanding our industrial development base and supporting initiatives like Zobis Cables,” Udechukwu said.
“Our President’s vision is to build a one trillion-dollar economy, and to achieve this, we must establish and support industries. We are restructuring our state economy to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.”
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd., Mr. John Eleobi, expressed gratitude for the Committee’s visit, saying it would encourage greater collaboration between local manufacturers and major players in the oil and gas sector.
He praised the government’s efforts to curb the importation of substandard cables and appealed for increased financial support to help indigenous manufacturers expand capacity and reduce dependence on imported raw materials.
“Local manufacturers need assistance to access funds,” Eleobi said.
“With sufficient funding, we can increase production capacity and even eliminate copper imports, as many Nigerian companies have the capability to manufacture copper locally.”
Eleobi expressed optimism about the company’s growth trajectory and revealed plans to expand production capacity to meet rising demand both locally and internationally.
