Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has unveiled the rehabilitated and upgraded Nigergas Company Limited, bringing the facility back to life after more than three decades of dormancy.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a statement issued on Thursday, the state government explained that the revival of the gas plant was executed under Mbah’s administration.
Established in 1962 by the late Michael Okpara, former premier of Eastern Nigeria, the company had remained moribund until this intervention.
Speaking at the unveiling, Governor Mbah highlighted the economic significance of the project, noting that it has already generated over 100 direct jobs for skilled and semi-skilled workers, with an additional 5,000 indirect jobs expected across distribution, fabrication, transportation, and supply chains.
Mbah said, “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.”
He tied the development to his broader vision of expanding Enugu’s economy, adding, “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.”
On the rehabilitation model, the Governor explained that his administration adopted a blended management structure.
He said, “The intention was clear: retain public ownership, but run the facility on modern, accountable, commercially viable lines.”
“So, today, Nigergas returns to production with modernised equipment and clear technical specifications designed to meet immediate healthcare and industry needs.”
“The plant’s installed capacity has been upgraded to produce significant volumes of medical and industrial gases, ensuring steady local supply and reducing dependence on distant, expensive suppliers.”
Highlighting the plant’s production capacity, Mbah disclosed,” Crucially, 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 further revealed that the facility can produce 100 cubic metres of oxygen per hour and 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour, while additional products such as nitrogen, argon gas, carbon dioxide, and CNG stations will soon be introduced.
According to him, the revamped plant will ensure reliable medical oxygen supply, affordable industrial gases for businesses, and improved productivity for local workshops and factories.
Mbah said, “These improvements ripple outward: increased industrial activity strengthens our revenue base, and deepens opportunities for MSMEs.”
The Governor praised the efforts of Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, managing director of the Enugu State Investment Authority; the commissioner for trade, investment, and industry; Ten Gas Development Ltd, a subsidiary of Indev Group; and community leaders in Emene for their contributions to the successful rehabilitation of Nigergas.
