By Nneka Ibe
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has revived Nigergas Company Limited in Emene, bringing back to life a facility that had been dormant for more than 30 years.
Originally established in 1962 under the leadership of Dr. Michael Okpara, the plant had collapsed due to decades of neglect, mismanagement and weak governance. Mbah said his administration undertook a full rehabilitation to restore its purpose and reposition it for modern industrial demands.
The governor explained that the revamped plant is now equipped with upgraded machinery capable of producing 100 cubic metres of oxygen and 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour, while plans are underway to add nitrogen, argon gas, carbon dioxide and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.
He noted that Nigergas had already provided direct employment for over 100 skilled and semi-skilled workers, and was expected to generate more than 5,000 indirect jobs across the distribution, fabrication, transport and supply value chain.
“What we have revived today is not just a gas facility, but a symbol of Enugu’s renewed promise of productivity and economic self-reliance. It is part of our goal to grow the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion,” Mbah said.
The rehabilitation model, he added, retains government ownership while adopting private-sector efficiency to ensure accountability and commercial viability. The plant will supply essential medical and industrial gases to hospitals, welders, agro-processors and manufacturers, cutting costs and boosting clinical care.
Stakeholders commended the initiative. The Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Authority, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, described it as a restoration of abandoned dreams, while the Managing Director of Ten Gas Development Ltd., Chief Chike Madueke, said it would provide training and employment opportunities for the youth.
Community leaders also hailed the project. Health consultant, Dr. Joy Uduji, likened Mbah to “the Nehemiah of our time”, while Nollywood veteran, Kanayo O. Kanayo, praised improved security in the state, saying filmmakers now felt safe working late into the night.
