…5,000 jobs, industrial gas supply restored
…Says more gas products, CNG stations coming
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday, officially unveiled the revamped and upgraded Nigergas Company Limited, which had been dormant for over 30 years.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Mbah said the revival of Nigergas, established in 1962 under Dr. Michael Okpara’s administration was part of his vision to transform moribund state-owned assets into economic drivers.
“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,” the governor said.
According to him, the plant has already created over 100 direct jobs for skilled and semi-skilled workers and is projected to generate more than 5,000 indirect jobs across distribution, fabrication, transport, and supply chains.
Mbah stressed that the project aligns with his administration’s economic transformation agenda to grow Enugu State’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
“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 noted.
The upgraded Nigergas plant now boasts modern equipment with an installed capacity to produce 100 cubic metres of oxygen and 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour. Governor Mbah added that the facility would soon expand production to include nitrogen, argon gas, carbon dioxide, and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.
“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,” he explained.
Highlighting the public-private partnership model adopted, Mbah said: “The intention was clear: retain public ownership, but run the facility on modern, accountable, commercially viable lines.”
He also noted that the Deep Blue maritime security project had helped ensure safety for vessels, with Enugu contributing to a safe environment for investment.
The Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Authority and Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, described the revival as historic.
“Although the firm was abandoned for over three decades due to mismanagement, nepotism, and weak corporate governance, Governor Mbah has restored the lost dreams,” he said.
Chief Chike Madueke, Managing Director of Ten Gas Development Ltd., the firm that handled the upgrade, said the facility would provide training opportunities and thousands of jobs for Enugu’s youths.
Community leaders and traditional rulers also praised the governor’s efforts. Health consultant, Dr. Joy Uduji, hailed Mbah as a “Nehemiah of our time,” saying: “Like Nehemiah, who supervised the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, you have also come to rebuild Enugu State.”
Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, commended the state’s improved security. “It is not praise-singing, security is working here. When I come to make movies in Enugu, we usually stay out late at Nike, and we are safe,” he said.
With Nigergas back in operation, the Enugu State government said it remains poised to strengthen its industrial base, create jobs and ensure steady access to vital gases for health and industry.
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