Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday unveiled the revamped Nigergas Company Limited, a state-owned enterprise that had been dormant for three decades.
Speaking at the event, Mbah said the revival of Nigergas underscores his administration’s resolve to breathe life into moribund assets and expand Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
According to him, the company, first established in 1962, has already created over 100 direct jobs for skilled and semi-skilled workers, with projections to generate more than 5,000 indirect jobs in distribution, fabrication, transport and supply chains.
“What we have revived and unveiled today is not just metal and pipes; it is the restoration of purpose, dignity and productivity to a site that once symbolised Eastern Nigeria’s industrial promise,” Mbah declared.
He explained that Nigergas now operates under a model that retains public ownership while applying private-sector efficiency and accountability. The plant has been modernised to produce medical and industrial gases, thereby reducing dependence on distant and costly suppliers.
With an upgraded capacity of 100 cubic metres of oxygen and 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour, the facility will serve hospitals, welders, agro-processors and manufacturers. Plans are also underway to introduce nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.
Mbah stressed that the steady supply of medical oxygen will save lives, while the availability of industrial gases will reduce production costs, boost local businesses, and expand opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“These improvements ripple outward: increased industrial activity strengthens our revenue base and deepens opportunities for growth,” he added.
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