By Samson Ezea

There is no doubt that since Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, assumed office, he has been intentional and focused on developing and repositioning the state in all ramifications. His disruptive innovation approach and “business unusual” mantra are visible and effective across all sectors of the state economy, including politics.

It is obvious that Governor Mbah came prepared. That is why he hit the ground running immediately, without minding whose ox is gored. Looking at where his administration met the state and where it has taken it so far, one needs no soothsayer to know that Enugu is on the right track under his watch.

Every sector of the state economy is witnessing unprecedented transformation and what many describe as the governor’s Midas touch. These reforms will benefit the state and its people both in the short and long term, especially in ways that are enduring and sustainable.

With the speedy completion of the once moribund International Conference Centre, Enugu has become a true conference state in Nigeria. The hospitality industry and its subsidiaries are witnessing patronage like never before. With additional aircraft added to the Enugu Air fleet, the state is steadily becoming an investment and tourist destination.

The establishment of the Enugu State Command and Control Centre, installation of artificial intelligence cameras across major streets, acquisition of drones through the Security Trust Fund, procurement of technologically equipped operational vehicles for security agencies, and the reforms and repositioning of the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guard have significantly strengthened security.

Today, Enugu ranks among the most secure and peaceful states in Nigeria. With these positive developments achieved within a short period, it was not surprising to read about Governor Mbah’s inauguration of the $20 million Enugu Haier Factory — a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by the Chinese multinational Haier Group, in partnership with the state government.

This development did not come as a surprise because it is clear that the administration has worked deliberately to place Enugu on the global economic map, attracting both foreign and local investments. The enabling environment necessary for economic growth has been consciously created. It is therefore possible that the state may soon transition from being largely civil service–driven to becoming industrially vibrant.

The coming of Haier Group may well be the tip of the iceberg regarding the scale of investments Enugu could witness in the coming years, given the business-friendly climate created by the present administration. For the benefit of doubt and for some naysayers, Haier Group is a renowned Chinese multinational company that designs and manufactures home appliances and consumer electronics. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Qingdao, the company was established by Zhang Ruimin. It produces refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, smart home technologies, and other consumer electronics. Haier operates in over 100 countries worldwide.

Through global expansion and acquisitions, the company owns several well-known brands, including GE Appliances (USA), Fisher & Paykel (New Zealand), Candy (Italy), and Hoover (Europe appliance division), among others.

It is frequently ranked as the world’s number one major appliance brand by global market share and is known for innovation in smart home ecosystems and user-centred product design. It also operates a unique management model known as the “Rendanheyi” system, which focuses on decentralized micro-enterprises within the company.

Considering the company’s strong global profile and track record, its presence in Enugu is expected to positively impact the state’s economy in multiple ways.

As stated during the launch by the Vice President of Haier Group, Sun Yongle, the $20 million FDI will produce smartphones, tablets, computers, smart boards, Android televisions, medical equipment, and renewable energy solutions for electricity, agriculture, and transportation.

This is feasible given the company’s longstanding global reputation and operational experience across more than 100 countries.

Notably, the state government provided land and constructed the factory structures, while also placing offtake orders for over 25,000 all-in-one desktops and 300,000 tablets to support its 260 Smart Green Schools. This strategic move demonstrates commitment to supporting investors while aligning industrial growth with educational development.

This investment also aligns with other FDI initiatives in the state, including the ongoing electric vehicle assembly plant construction at Owo by Stallion Group and the Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre in Enugu, an investment by ODK Group of Denmark. These developments clearly demonstrate the Mbah administration’s readiness to attract and support investments capable of generating massive employment opportunities for youths.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Mbah stated that the investment aligns perfectly with the administration’s commitment to repositioning Enugu as a premier destination for investment, industry, and knowledge-driven growth. He reiterated his vision of growing the state’s economy from about $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

He explained that producing these devices locally reduces import dependence, cuts costs, ensures sustainability, and builds local capacity. The factory, he added, will serve as a practical training ground for vocational and technical institutions, generate employment, facilitate technology transfer, stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises, and foster a broader technology ecosystem.

The governor also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s macroeconomic policies, which he said have contributed to attracting steady FDI inflows by easing macroeconomic pressures, strengthening the naira, growing foreign reserves, and moderating inflationary trends.

Haier Group’s Vice President further disclosed that the factory has a designed production capacity of 200,000 units annually and will initially employ about 100 people, with projections to exceed 200 employees. He revealed that discussions are ongoing for expanded investments in agriculture, mining (including sesame and coal), and transportation, with total investment expected to exceed $30 million.

The company also plans to establish a local Research and Development Centre and a training centre to provide free training and internship opportunities for students in Enugu State. This commitment to local talent development is particularly commendable.

Indeed, whatever strategy the Mbah administration deployed to attract this significant investment deserves commendation. It reflects a deliberate and structured effort to leapfrog the state’s economy from approximately $4 billion to $30 billion before the end of the governor’s tenure.

The Enugu–Haier partnership is not merely about a factory; it is about vision, preparation, and positioning Enugu for sustained industrial and technological growth in the years ahead.