Plant to Create 5,000 Jobs, Produce 100 Cubic Metres of Oxygen and 45 Cubic Metres of Acetylene Per Hour
Nitrogen, Argon Gas, Carbon Dioxide, and CNG Stations in the Pipeline
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Thursday unveiled the revamped Nigergas Company Limited in Emene, breathing life back into the facility after over three decades of inactivity.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mbah said the revival of Nigergas—originally established in 1962 during Dr. Michael Okpara’s administration—was proof of his government’s determination to restore moribund state assets and drive Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
“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,” the governor stated.
The upgraded plant now has the capacity to produce 100 cubic metres of oxygen and 45 cubic metres of acetylene per hour. Plans are underway to expand production to nitrogen, argon gas, carbon dioxide, and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.
Mbah noted that Nigergas had already provided direct employment for over 100 skilled and semi-skilled workers, with the potential to create more than 5,000 indirect jobs across distribution, fabrication, transport, and supply chains. He stressed that the facility would guarantee steady access to medical oxygen for hospitals, industrial gases for manufacturers, and lower production costs for small and medium businesses in the state.
The governor also highlighted that the plant will be run under a modern management model—retaining public ownership but infused with private-sector accountability and efficiency.
Several dignitaries praised the governor’s vision. Dr. Joy Uduji described him as “the Nehemiah of our time, rebuilding the broken walls of Enugu State.” Nollywood icon, Kanayo O. Kanayo, also commended Mbah for improving security in the state, saying, “It is not praise-singing. Security is working here. When we come to make movies, we stay out late into the night and we are safe.”
The Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Authority, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, alongside Ten Gas Development Ltd, community leaders, and traditional rulers, hailed the revival of Nigergas as a turning point for industrial and economic growth in Enugu State.
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