Nehemiah in the bible recorded the reconstruction of the wall of Jerusalem, Judah's capital city. Together, he and Ezra, who led the spiritual revival of the people, directed the political and religious restoration of the Jews in their homeland after the Babylonian captivity.
Nigergas Company Limited, established in 1962 under the visionary leadership of Dr. Michael Okpara, once stood as a beacon of Eastern Nigeria’s industrial promise. For decades, however, it languished in neglect, its potential buried under the weight of abandonment. Governor Mbah, much like Nehemiah in the Bible who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, has taken up the mantle of restoration, breathing new life into this critical asset. His administration’s revival of Nigergas is not merely about refurbishing metal and pipes; it is a profound act of restoring purpose, productivity, and pride to a region poised for greatness.
The unveiling of the revamped Nigergas is a defining moment for Enugu State. With modernized equipment and a capacity to produce 100 cubic meters of oxygen and 45 cubic meters of acetylene per hour, the plant is set to meet the critical needs of healthcare and industry. From supplying medical oxygen to hospitals to providing industrial gases for welders, agro-processors, and manufacturers, Nigergas is poised to reduce dependency on costly, distant suppliers while driving down production costs for local businesses. Plans are also underway to expand the facility’s offerings to include nitrogen, argon gas, carbon dioxide, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, further diversifying its impact.
Governor Mbah’s vision for Nigergas goes beyond operational revival; it is a cornerstone of his broader economic agenda. By blending public ownership with private-sector efficiency, his administration has crafted a management model that ensures accountability and commercial viability. This approach reflects Mbah’s innovative thinking and determination to do things differently, positioning Enugu as a hub of self-reliance and industrial excellence.
The revitalization of Nigergas is already yielding tangible benefits. The facility has created direct employment for over 100 skilled and semi-skilled workers, with the potential to generate over 5,000 indirect jobs across distribution, fabrication, transport, and supply chains. These jobs are more than numbers. They represent livelihoods, opportunities, and a brighter future for families across Enugu. By strengthening the local economy, Nigergas will empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), boost industrial activity, and enhance the state’s revenue base.
Governor Mbah’s leadership is reminiscent of the biblical figures Nehemiah and Ezra, who together restored the political and spiritual fabric of their people. In Enugu, Mbah is spearheading a dual revival. I call it the economic and social revival by reviving moribund assets like Nigergas and channeling their potential toward the greater good. His commitment to growing Enugu’s GDP to $30 billion is not mere rhetoric; it is a meticulously planned journey rooted in bold actions and a relentless drive to deliver results.The revival of Nigergas is a shining example of what is possible when leadership is guided by vision, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility. By ensuring access to reliable medical oxygen, the plant will save lives in hospitals across the state. By providing affordable industrial gases, it will lower operating costs for businesses, enabling them to thrive in a competitive market. These ripple effects will strengthen Enugu’s economic foundation, create opportunities for its people, and position the state as a leader in Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Governor Peter Mbah deserves resounding applause for his transformative leadership in Enugu State. In less than two years, he has revived projects that had become monuments of neglect. The International Conference Centre, Sunrise Flour Mills, United Palm Products Ltd (UPPL), Hotel Presidential, and now Niger Gas Limited, a pioneering enterprise founded 62 years ago under Dr. Michael Okpara.
From decades of abandonment and decay to resuscitation and rebirth, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is rewriting the once depressing story of Enugu’s moribund assets.
The rebirth of Nigergas is part of a larger portfolio of over 2,000 ongoing and completed projects under Mbah, including smart schools, healthcare centres, farm estates, and various urban and rural road construction.
The revitalization of Nigergas is a triumph of determination over neglect, a victory of progress over stagnation, and a beacon of hope for a state on the cusp of greatness. Mbah’s ability to see potential where others saw ruin, to act decisively where others hesitated, and to deliver results where others faltered is a testament to his extraordinary leadership.As Enugu State marches toward its $30 billion economic goal, Governor Mbah’s efforts to revive moribund assets like Nigergas will be remembered as a turning point in the state’s history. This is not just the story of a factory brought back to life; it is the story of a people empowered, an economy revitalized, and a leader whose vision is reshaping the future of Enugu. Let us celebrate Governor Peter Mbah, a modern-day Nehemiah, whose work is building the foundation for a prosperous and self-reliant Enugu State.
Ndi Enugu, let’s celebrate a Governor who is turning dormant assets into productive treasures and driving our economy from $4.4B to $30B.
Tomorrow is truly here!
...Nnamani Arinze Darlington writes from Enugu
