The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Chief Uche Nnaji, has unveiled an industrialisation agenda aimed at attracting more than $4 billion in foreign direct investment and creating over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs through coal, iron ore and cement industries.
Nnaji made the disclosure at Alaba International Market, Lagos, during a meeting with Igbo traders and members of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association, where he presented his proposed development agenda for Enugu State.
He said the state’s mineral resources, particularly coal and iron ore, alongside opportunities in cement production, could provide a strong foundation for industrial growth, local manufacturing and employment generation.
According to him, his proposed administration would prioritise the development of three major industries expected to attract significant foreign investment and create employment opportunities for residents.
Nnaji explained that rather than allowing raw materials to be extracted and transported outside the state without substantial local benefits, his plan would focus on processing the resources locally into finished and higher value products.
Speaking on coal deposits around Awhum, he alleged that large quantities of coal were transported out of the area daily, while host communities received inadequate development benefits and environmental attention.
He claimed that about 100 trucks of coal leave the area daily, with the government collecting ₦250,000 per truck. He argued that establishing processing industries would enable host communities to benefit more directly from the state’s natural resources.
The PDP candidate proposed converting coal into industrial products such as methanol, ammonia and urea, noting that local processing could create employment, stimulate economic activities and expand the state’s revenue base.
He also identified iron ore deposits around Nachi in Udi, Oji River and parts of Nsukka as opportunities for steel related industries, while describing cement production as another important component of his proposed industrialisation plan.
Nnaji said his exposure to industrial development projects in Malaysia during his time as a minister influenced his vision of transforming Enugu from a state that exports raw materials into one that processes them locally and attracts manufacturing investments.
He maintained that developing the proposed industries could reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocations while creating opportunities for local businesses to supply materials and services to the industrial plants.
He urged traders and business owners to support his proposed economic agenda, expressing optimism that the plan could position Enugu State as a major centre for manufacturing, investment and job creation.
However, the proposed $4 billion investment and 50,000 job projections remain campaign promises and would depend on the successful implementation of the plan, investor participation and the availability of supporting infrastructure.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
