Enugu signs deal for N100bn palm plantation, set to construct 5-star hotel

• The contract for the hotel was awarded to the China Communication and Construction Company
  

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The Enugu State government has approved a N100 billion agreement with Pragmatic Palms Limited to revitalize the defunct Enugu State United Palm Products Limited.

Additionally, the state plans to build a 380-room five-star hotel at the International Conference Centre in Enugu.

These decisions were made during the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday. The contract for the hotel was awarded to the China Communication and Construction Company.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting at the Government House, the Commissioners for Works and Infrastructure (Mr. Gerald Otiji), Transportation (Dr. Obi Ozor), Culture and Tourism (Ugochi Madueke), and Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation (Mr. Patrick Ubru) stated that these initiatives align with the administration’s goal to make Enugu State a leading destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.

“The council, today, approved the construction of a five-star hotel on the International Conference Center premises.

“It is a 380-room hotel with other world-class amenities where the best brands will be competing to be partners in the project.

“We also approved the N100bn deal to Revitalise Enugu State United Palm Products Limited deal, which is a state asset located at Ugwuoba in Oji River LGA, Umulokpa in the Uzo-Uwani LGA, and Ibite-Olo in the Eziagu LGA.

“We are talking about a total of 6,700 hectares, although it is not 100 per cent covered by palms because only 2,000 hectares have been planted.

“The state is contributing 40 per cent, which is the value of our land or assets, and our partners are providing the finance for the remaining 60 per cent of the transaction value,” Otiji said.

Madueke stated that the new five-star hotel would significantly boost the tourism and hospitality industry and overall economy, addressing the lack of such a facility that has hindered international flights and major conferences in Enugu.

She emphasized that this would enhance Enugu’s economic status and image. Ubru added that revitalizing the United Palm Products Limited would create jobs, position Enugu as a leading oil palm producer, and generate foreign exchange for the state.