There is growing concern over the abandonment of Enugu state Aluminum factory, Ohebe-Dim, Igbo-Etiti local government area of the state.
The multi-million naira factory which was established in the early 1980s by the administration of Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo had been in comatose for decades now, thereby throwing the employees out of job.
Johnson Nwabueze is a native of the community where the Aluminum factory was established.
He told our reporter that the collapse of the Aluminum factory has led to so many economic woes in the community and even beyond.
“My late father Ephraim Nwabueze was a staff of the factory in the early 1990s when the factory was at the peak of its production.
“I could also remember that so many people were employed in the factory during its existence.
“However, since collapse in the 90s, it has not been easy for the community and its environs. All the workers were thrown out of job.
“Many employees used the money they got from it to train their children but the situation has not been easy for the employees. Some of them were owed about five years and above.”
Narrating further, Nwabueze said that ” we are appealing to the state government to do everything possible to revitalize the factory.”
Prof. Marcel Ugwoke Agu, a former Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area and retired Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Barr. Ernest Okpunwa told WITHIN NIGERIA that “as citizens of Ohebe-Dim, our expectation is not rooted in skepticism but in renewed hope.
“We believe that Governor Mbah understands the importance of this project and the impact its successful completion will have on thousands of families and the broader economy of the state.
“Based on his antecedents and developmental strides, we strongly believe that he will deliver on this promise. We urge him not to relent in his disruptive agenda of transforming Enugu State.”
Reactions of the State House of Assembly on the factory
On February 18, 2025, the House of Assembly moved a motion for the revitalization of the factory.
During a plenary, the committee on the revitalization of the factory in its motion on the floor of the House entitled, MOTION ON NOTICE: A MOTION FOR AN URGENT NEED TO REVITALIZE AND REHABILITATE THE ABANDONED ALUMINIUM INDUSTRY LOCATED AT OHEBE DIM, IGBO ETITI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ENUGU STATE stated that “over the years, this factory has faced numerous challenges which had led to its under utilization, deterioration and consequential abandonment by previous governments of the State.”
The motion which was sponsored by Hon. William Amuka, Member representing Igbo-Etiti West stated “the Government’s aim then was to harness local resources and provide employment opportunities for the citizenry especially the teaming population of youths and school leavers.
“Historically, it played a crucial role in producing aluminium products that catered for the needs of both our local markets and for export.
“However, due to various factors such as mismanagement, lack of investment, and infrastructural decay, production levels did significantly decline.
“It is pertinent to note that the Aluminium Factory Ohebe Dim is the number 17 in the list of over 100 Enugu State Government Parastatals and Agencies.”
The House then prayed “that this Honourable House should urge the state Government through the State Ministry of Commerce and Industry with the Ministries of Economic Planning, Human Capital Development and Poverty Reduction to do the needful so that the Aluminium Manufacturing Company, located at Ohebe Dim in Igbo-Etiti LGA is revitalized and rehabilitated.
“That this Honourable House should urge the State Government through its relevant Ministries, Parastatals and Agencies to move with the expected force and get the Aluminium Manufacturing Industry, Ohebe Dim, Enugu State revitalized and rehabilitated.
Be it moved and it is hereby moved.”
Governor Mbah makes move for the revitalization of the factory
However WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that few days ago, the state government showed some measure of interest to revitalize the factory.
According to reports, October 2026 has been slated for the reopening of the factory.
Expressing his gratitude, Ikechukwu Okenyi, a resident of the host community told our reporter that “for several decades, the factory has remained a dormant industrial asset, symbolizing both the unrealized economic potential of the state and the aspirations of communities yearning for growth, development, and employment opportunities.
“It is unfortunate that successive administrations in the state failed to prioritize the revitalization of what was once one of Nigeria’s premier aluminium manufacturing facilities.
“Governor Mbah deserves commendation for placing the revival of the factory back on the state’s development agenda, just as he has done with the Presidential Hotel and the International Conference Centre, Enugu.”
Explaining further, Okenyi said that “at a time when governments are increasingly challenged to create jobs, attract investment, and diversify their economies, the decision to rehabilitate and reactivate the Ohebe-Dim Aluminium Factory is both strategic and commendable.
“However, as the saying goes, the true measure of leadership lies not in promises made but in promises fulfilled.
“The governor’s declaration has raised expectations among citizens, particularly young people who see industrialization as a pathway to employment and economic empowerment.
“Governor Mbah first made this commitment during his endorsement for a second term by the people of Enugu North Senatorial District at the Government Secondary School Stadium, Nsukka.
“It is therefore important that the administration maintains the momentum necessary to meet the October 2026 commissioning target.
“Regular updates on the progress of rehabilitation efforts, transparency in project implementation, and sustained commitment to funding will help reassure the public that the project remains on course.
“The significance of the Ohebe-Dim Aluminium Factory extends far beyond the commissioning of a single facility. It presents an opportunity to demonstrate that government commitments can be translated into tangible results.
“It is also a chance to restore public confidence in government and showcase Enugu State as a destination for industrial investment and economic transformation.”
