Chinedum Elekwachi
Chairman, Federal House of Representatives Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr Boma Goodhead, has hailed Zobis Cable Nig. Ltd for aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed national drive for industrial transformation.
Speaking shortly after a facility visit of John Zobis Group of Companies, Onitsha, Anambra State, Mr Goodhead expressed deep satisfaction with the remarkable industrial strides recorded by the conglomerate.
She expressed satisfaction with the Zobis cable manufacturer’s adherence to the principles of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, through deployment of modern production technologies, and its ambitious drive toward value addition and import substitution.
She said, “Our oversight visit today reaffirms that Nigeria has what it takes to produce world class industrial materials locally, and to meet the technical demands of oil and gas, energy, and construction sectors.
“What we have witnessed in Zobis Cable is a strong demonstration of Nigerian ingenuity, technical excellence, and commitment to national industrial growth.
“The scale of investment here shows that indigenous manufacturers are ready to compete globally if given the right policy support, visibility, and access to oil and gas value chain.
Presidential directives
” Zobis Cable Nig. Ltd aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed national drive for industrial transformation through the Presidential Directives on “Nigeria’s First Goods and Services.
“The President has made it clear that under his administration, all ministries, departments and agencies, particularly those in oil and gas, power and manufacturing sectors, must prioritize the patronage of locally manufactured goods and services as a strategic path to sustainable economic growth, job creation and technological self-reliance.
“The House Committee fully supports this presidential vision and will continue to provide the legislative muscle and oversight framework needed to ensure its full implementation across Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem.
“This visit is, therefore, part of our legislative mandate to promote, monitor and strengthen local content participation nationwide.
“By shining a spotlight on companies like Zobis Cable, we are sending a clear message: the era of dependency on imported cables and electrical materials must give way to a new phase of Nigerian industrial self-reliance and home-grown technological advancement.”
The committee chairman assured Zobis Cable and other indigenous manufacturers that the National Assembly will continue to provide the necessary legislative and policy backing to enhance local production, attract further investment, and ensure that Nigerian products receive due recognition and patronage from major operators
CEO’s gratitude
Chief Executive Officer of John Zobis Group of Companies, Mr. John Ezeobi thanked the House Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring for the visit.
“This visit will afford local industries such as Zobis, the opportunity to know so many companies in the oil and gas sector that will patronize local products such as cables and electrical materials, instead of importing them from abroad,” he said.
He called on both Federal and State Governments to assist local industries by providing funds without unnecessary bottleneck.
The industrialist said such would go a long way in subsidizing the cost of procuring raw materials like copper and other metals used in quality wire production.
“The companies can even generate their own electricity with adequate funding,” he added.
Earlier, Commissioner for Industry, Hon Christian Udechukwu welcomed the House of Representatives Committee on behalf of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
He assured that the State has been partnering with John Zobis Group of Companies by providing enabling environment.
“The government has also ensured improvement in security and electricity supply to help local industries thrive and attract prospective investors to site industries within the State,” he added.
