In what many residents have described as a vital strategic partnership, the Enugu State government and Jelfah Nigeria Ltd have sealed a major N40 billion agreement to breathe new life into the long-dormant Sunrise Flour Mills.
The deal, signed at the Government House in Enugu on Tuesday, will see Jelfah acquire a 60 percent equity stake in the historically significant Sunrise Flour Mills, a state-owned entity that has been out of operation since 1985.
The revitalisation plan includes a substantial N24 billion investment by Jelfah, with N22 billion allocated to the refurbishment and operational revival of the mill and N2 billion set aside as direct financial support to the state.
The remaining 40 percent equity stake in the flour mills will remain under state ownership, reflecting the current asset base of the company.
The deal according to stakeholders is another significant step in Governor Mbah’s strategy to transform Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion through robust private sector involvement.
At the signing ceremony, Governor Mbah highlighted the significance of the investment. “This agreement is a testament to our commitment to economic growth and development. Just a few months ago, we secured a N100 billion investment with Pragmatic Palms Limited to revitalize Enugu United Palm Products Limited (UPPL), and now, with this N40 billion deal, we continue to show that Enugu State is truly open for business,” Mbah stated.
He elaborated on the broader impact of the investment, noting that Jelfah’s N24 billion contribution includes plans to develop 10,000 hectares of farmland dedicated to producing key inputs such as cassava and grains for the flour mills. “This investment is not just about reviving a mill; it is about creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that will benefit both the investors and the people of Enugu State,” Mbah added.
Governor Mbah assured Jelfah of the state’s continued support and encouraged other potential investors to consider opportunities in Enugu. “We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that minimizes risks and fosters business growth,” he affirmed.
Commenting on the project, Moses Saromi, Chairman of Jelfah Group, praised Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership and the improving business climate in Enugu State.
“We are excited by the governor’s dynamic approach and the progress being made in making Enugu a more business-friendly environment. Our acquisition of a 60 percent stake in Sunrise Flour Mills aligns with our long-term vision and supports the governor’s goals of revitalizing dormant assets and promoting sustainable development.”
Saromi emphasised Jelfah’s commitment to transforming Sunrise Flour Mills into a center of excellence. “With our consortium partners, we aim to elevate the mill’s production capabilities, create job opportunities, and contribute significantly to Enugu’s socio-economic advancement. We have developed short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans for the mill, and you can expect significant activity and progress within the next 90 days,” he explained.
He also mentioned plans for local recruitment and the development of the 10,000 hectares of farmland, which will support the mill’s operations and contribute to the overall sustainability of the project.
“Our activities will include recruitment of people, who will run the plant, indigenes of the state, obviously. And as the governor rightly said, we are creating a model that will provide the inputs for the mills, such as the 10,000 hectres of farmlands to cultivate all the inputs for the mills,” he added.
The partnership between Enugu State and Jelfah Group, residents note, represents a pivotal move towards economic revitalization and underscores Enugu’s commitment to fostering private sector growth and development.
