PDP Governorship candidate Nnaji unveils $4bn industrialisation plan for Enugu amid certificate forgery allegations

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Enugu State in the 2027 general election, Uche Nnaji in bold step unveiled plans to attract more than $4bn in foreign direct investment through coal, iron ore and cement industries, if becomes Governor of Enugu State in 2027.

The embattled Nnaji believed that the investment could generate more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.

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He stated this at Alaba International Market, Lagos over the weekend, where Igbo traders and members of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers invited him for a discussion on the development and his agenda for Enugu State.

Nnaji was alleged to have forged degree certificate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the NYSC youth service certificate. He is facing prosecution at the Federal High Court and as case progresses, the school authority and NYSC prosecution witnesses have both disclaimed the authenticity of the certificates.

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Nnaji pointed out coal, cement production and iron ore as basis to industrialise Enugu economy, saying industries could add value to the economy of the State

“My administration will focus on three industries that we expect to attract more than $4bn in foreign direct investment. These industries will absorb more than 50,000 people in direct and indirect employment,” he said.

The governorship candidate maintained that his ambition was all about the people rather than personal interests, pointing out that his appointment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exposed him to the impact of people-oriented leadership and industrial development.

He recalled how he won a Senatorial election in 1999, but relinquished it to the former governor of Enugu State, Jim Nwobodo, who was more experienced at a time.

On coal, Nnaji said raw materials were being extracted from communities around Awhum and transported out without sufficient benefits to residents or adequate attention to the environment.

According to him, over 100 trucks of coal leave the area daily and that the government collects N250,000 per truck, while host communities remain under deveped.

Noting that his administration would ensure that resource-producing communities benefit from related industries and infrastructure.

Rather than exporting raw coal, he proposed processing it into higher-value products, including methanol, ammonia and urea, to create jobs and generate revenue.

“From coal, we will get a product like dimethyl ether, and from dimethyl ether, you get methanol,” he said, adding that further processing could produce ammonia and urea.

He cited Indorama’s urea production as an example of the economic opportunities available from industrial processing, arguing that local production and exports could provide Enugu with revenue beyond monthly allocations from the Federation Account.

Nnaji also identified iron ore deposits around Nachi in Udi, Oji River and parts of Nsukka, extending towards areas of Anambra State, as opportunities for steel-related industries. He said cement production was another priority.

He argued that developing these resources could give Enugu a stronger industrial base, attract investment and reduce dependence on federal allocations.

Nnaji said his exposure to industrial projects in Malaysia during his time as a minister helped shape his plans, adding that the state needed to move beyond extracting and transporting raw materials to processing them locally.

He urged traders and business owners to support his proposed industrialisation agenda, which he said would position Enugu as a centre for manufacturing, investment and job creation. He said local firms could supply the plants, creating wider opportunities for businesses and workers across the state over time.

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