Mbah Flags off Tractor Assembly Plant in Enugu, Inaugurates Mega Door Factory

On Tuesday, Governor Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State inaugurated the construction of the Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre, a project backed by ODK Group from Denmark, in Enugu city. That same day, he also launched the New-Watson Doors Industry, established by a Chinese firm at Nachi, Enugu State.

During the ceremony for the Nortra Tractors Plant, Governor Mbah emphasized that this development aligns with his administration’s goal of boosting the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion. “What we are doing today is more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a step toward realizing our dream of having at least 1,000 tractors operating in Enugu State by next year,” he stated.

He further highlighted Enugu’s potential as a prime investment destination, noting, “We’ve always said that Enugu is going to be this premier location for investors. However, we understand that merely hoping for it isn’t enough. That’s why today’s event signifies our commitment to making Enugu attractive for investment. We’ve placed an order for 1,000 tractors, with the aim of assembling 800 of them right here in Enugu State.”

Mbah acknowledged that while it would have been simpler to import all 1,000 tractors, his administration saw greater value in local assembly. “By choosing to assemble the majority here, we’re not only creating jobs but also stimulating our economy,” he said.

He vowed to actively engage with genuine investors seeking partnerships for growth, asserting that his administration would provide essential infrastructure and security to support their investments.

Earlier, Adaora Chukwu, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry, noted that Enugu was ODK Group’s first investment location in Africa, and she stressed that the company’s expertise in manufacturing innovative agricultural equipment would enhance agricultural production in the region. Patrick Ubru, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, echoed this sentiment, calling the project a significant advancement for the state’s agriculture sector.

The CEO of ODK Group Denmark, Mr. Morten Anderson, and the Managing Director of Nortra Tractors, Mr. Philip Njoku, shared that they selected Enugu as their entry point into Africa due to the state’s robust innovation and development landscape.

In addition, while commissioning the New-Watson Doors Industry, Governor Mbah recalled how the company was still deliberating where to invest when they first met in 2023. He praised their faith in his administration’s efforts to promote Enugu as a leading investment hub.

He reiterated his commitment to reducing investment risks and fostering a supportive environment for businesses. “We’ve established the necessary conditions for investors to flourish, and we will prioritize procuring for our projects—like the 260 Smart Green Schools and 260 Type 2 Healthcare Centres—from local sources,” he explained.

Mbah encouraged investors from China and other nations to consider opportunities in Enugu. In expressing gratitude, the CEO of New-Watson, Chen Shando, thanked Governor Mbah for the substantial support received from the government and the local community.