By Isaac Mission
Niger Gas has assured hospitals across Enugu State of its readiness to provide sufficient oxygen supplies as the company expands production at its revived facility in the state.
The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Amos Egesi, gave the assurance on Tuesday while conducting members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu, around the facility.
The journalists visited the plant as part of a tour of projects being implemented by the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Mbah.
Production capacity to increase
Egesi disclosed that Niger Gas currently produces about 80 cylinders of oxygen daily, but said production could rise significantly once the facility reaches full capacity.
According to him, the plant has the capacity to produce at least 400 cylinders daily, which he believes would be sufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of hospitals across the state.
“By the time we begin to produce at 100 per cent full capacity, we will be producing not less than 400 cylinders every day. With that, all the hospital oxygen demands we have in the state will be met by Niger Gas,” Egesi said.
He noted that the company resumed full operations about four months ago and has already attracted customers from outside Enugu, with traders reportedly travelling from places such as Onitsha to place orders for its products.
Niger Gas produces medical and industrial gases
Egesi explained that the company produces natural oxygen, medical oxygen and acetylene, which is commonly used for welding and other industrial purposes.
He commended the Enugu State Government for reviving the facility, which had remained inactive for decades after becoming moribund in the 1980s.
According to him, the revival of the company has not only restored production but also created employment opportunities and stimulated economic activities in the surrounding community.
Community records increased economic activity
The Niger Gas official said the area around the plant had become increasingly active since operations resumed.
He noted that people had started acquiring land, constructing houses and relocating to the area, while businesses and other economic activities had also increased.
Niger Gas is among the industrial projects established during the administration of the late Michael Okpara under the former Eastern Region government.
The Enugu State Government is currently undertaking efforts to revive such dormant assets as part of its broader economic and industrial development initiatives.
