In a major push to revive Enugu State’s industrial sector, Governor Peter Mbah has relaunched the Nigergas Company Limited, which had been dormant for over 30 years.
The revamped plant, originally established in 1962 during Dr. Michael Okpara’s administration, is now equipped with modern technology and will produce essential medical and industrial gases.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Mbah revealed that the plant has already provided direct employment for over 100 skilled and semi-skilled workers and is expected to generate more than 5,000 indirect jobs across supply chains, transport, fabrication, and distribution.
“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,” Mbah said.
He added that Nigergas is a flagship project in his administration’s broader plan to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
Governor Mbah explained that the revived Nigergas facility now runs under a public-private hybrid model, designed to preserve public ownership while ensuring professional, performance-driven management.
“We approved a full rehabilitation scheme and a management model that blends public ownership with private-sector performance discipline,” he stated.
“The plant is now capable of producing 100 cubic metres of oxygen and 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour.”
In addition to oxygen and acetylene, production lines for nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and compressed natural gas (CNG) are expected to be commissioned soon.
The facility will support healthcare providers, welders, agro-processors, and manufacturers with reliable, cost-effective gas supplies, enhancing clinical outcomes and reducing production costs for local industries.
“These improvements ripple outward: increased industrial activity strengthens our revenue base and deepens opportunities for MSMEs,” the governor emphasized.
Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, praised the project as a restoration of a long-lost vision.
He noted that the company was originally established in partnership with Italian firm Siad Machine Impianti, but was left idle for over three decades due to mismanagement, revenue misuse, and weak governance.
Chief Chike Madueke, Managing Director of Ten Gas Development Ltd, the engineering firm responsible for the rehabilitation, said the restored plant will serve as a training ground and employment hub for thousands of Enugu youths.
Other dignitaries, including Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council; Dr. Joy Uduji, a community leader and health consultant; and Engr. George Ndubeze Ugwu, a local businessman, also praised the revival of Nigergas and ongoing infrastructure developments across the state.
“You are the Nehemiah of our time,” Dr. Uduji said. “Just like Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, you are rebuilding Enugu.”
Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo added a cultural note of support, emphasizing the improved security situation in the state:
“It’s not praise-singing. Security is working here. When we film in Enugu, we stay out late into the night at Nike—and we feel safe,” he said.
