The government of Enugu State has taken a significant step towards the rejuvenation of the state’s economy by awarding a contract for the restoration of the iconic Hotel Presidential, located in the heart of the state capital.
In addition, the administration is finalizing an agreement to revive the state-owned Nigergas Company Limited. This initiative aligns with Dr. Peter Mbah’s objective to restore, refurbish, and reactivate all inactive state assets, including Nigergas. The announcement was made following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by the governor.
Mr. Aka Eze Aka, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, and Dame Ugochi Madueke, his Culture and Tourism counterpart, informed the press at the Government House that these initiatives are part of the governor’s commitment to transforming all inactive state assets into productive ones.
Dame Madueke emphasized that the restoration of the Presidential Hotel would not only position Enugu State as a prime destination for investment, tourism, and hospitality on the global stage, but would also generate employment opportunities for the state’s youth population.
The commissioner expressed delight at the revival of the hotel, which had been neglected and inactive for many years. Its restoration will not only reestablish our state’s global presence, but will also stimulate economic growth, tourism, and job creation for our youth, she said.
The Presidential Hotel, established by the late premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara, and inaugurated in 1963, operated as a prestigious hotel until it fell into disuse several decades later.
Regarding the Nigergas Company Limited, Mr. Aka noted that the current administration is dedicated to reviving all inactive industries to create an economy of scale for the state, and to extend the state’s product reach beyond the East of the Niger.
The decision to restore the dormant company was based on a thorough evaluation of numerous commercial proposals and models submitted to the state, which demonstrated a strong business case and profitability.
Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority, further explained that the demand for medical oxygen and industrial gas in the country significantly exceeds the supply. This necessitates the state government’s partnership with a reliable private entity with a proven track record to revive Nigergas and capitalize on the immense opportunities available.
The restoration and subsequent commissioning of Nigergas is a strategic move by the Governor Mbah Administration to meet the high demand for medical oxygen and industrial gas in the South East and the entire country, as the country is significantly underserved.
Dr. Nwobodo stated that the Nigergas Company would employ over a thousand workers once it is revived. He added that the initiative to restore Nigergas is part of a series of projects aimed at reviving other inactive state-owned enterprises such as Niger Steel Ltd., Sunrise Flour Mills, and the aluminum smelting company at Ohebe Dim.
These initiatives by the Enugu State government demonstrate a concerted effort to convert dormant state assets into productive enterprises, attracting investment, boosting tourism, and creating employment opportunities for the people of the state.
