NSE Onitsha, Zobis Cables Partner to Strengthen Engineering, Indigenous Industrial Capacity

By Michael Ovat

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Onitsha Branch, is exploring a strategic partnership with John Zobis Group of Companies Limited, manufacturers of Zobis Wires and Cables, to create opportunities for professional engineers, strengthen indigenous manufacturing and advance engineering development in Anambra State and Nigeria.

The proposed collaboration emerged during a technical inspection of the Zobis Wires and Cables production facility at Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, by the leadership and members of the NSE Onitsha Branch.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection on Tuesday, Chairman of the NSE Onitsha Branch, Engr. Okey Nwosu, MNSE, said the branch had developed an action plan focused on strengthening professional engineering practice and creating greater opportunities for engineers to contribute to industrial and technological development.

Nwosu said the plan would be implemented through partnerships with stakeholders across the engineering and industrial sectors, technology hubs, indigenous businesses, professional bodies, economic organisations, the media and individuals committed to national development.

According to him, the branch is also working towards establishing an Engineering Innovation Hub in Onitsha and an NSE-Onitsha Online Engineering Resources Portal.

He added that the branch planned to create a networking platform that would connect engineering students on Industrial Training (IT), engineering graduates and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with engineering backgrounds to practical opportunities in industry.

Zobis facility meets engineering standards

Nwosu expressed satisfaction with the quality of products, production processes and standards observed during the inspection, describing Zobis as a strong example of indigenous manufacturing capability in Nigeria.

He said the facility demonstrated that Nigerian-owned businesses could compete effectively with international counterparts when provided with the necessary support and enabling environment.

“What we observed today in this factory has proven to us that Nigeria still has individuals with the fear of God and the commitment to producing quality products that can satisfy our taste for Made-in-Nigeria products,” Nwosu said.

He said the NSE was prepared to work with Zobis to sustain its commitment to quality while creating opportunities for engineers.

“We are ready to partner with the company to encourage and sustain its commitment to quality. The partnership will also assist NSE in Anambra and the country as a whole to empower professional engineers through employment and business opportunities, particularly at a time when the profession is facing low patronage due to the high rate of quackery.”

Nwosu said stronger collaboration between professional engineers and indigenous manufacturers would help bridge the gap between engineering education, professional practice and industrial application.

He noted that the inspection had provided the NSE Onitsha Branch with an opportunity to identify practical areas of collaboration with Zobis, particularly in technical development, engineering standards, industrial innovation and professional growth.

“We will be excited about the opportunity to work with Zobis Group, not only to solve technical problems but also to support the growth and development of future engineers in Nigeria,” he said.

The NSE chairman further reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to identifying and supporting indigenous companies whose activities contribute to Nigeria’s industrial and technological development.

He commended Zobis for building a Nigerian brand with growing recognition and urged the company to strengthen its marketing and advertising strategies to expand its market reach.

Nwosu also called on governments at all levels to provide a more conducive environment for local manufacturers, particularly by addressing challenges associated with electricity supply.

According to him, reliable power would reduce production constraints, improve productivity and enable indigenous manufacturers to maintain quality while expanding their operations.

Zobis pledges support for engineering advocacy

In his welcome address, the General Manager of Zobis Wires and Cables, Engr. Arinze Okwosa, thanked the NSE Onitsha Branch for the inspection and its interest in supporting indigenous engineering and industrial development.

Okwosa said Zobis was prepared to develop a plan for engineering advocacy in collaboration with other NSE branches, divisions and relevant organisations.

He identified engineering standards, state-of-the-art industrial workshops and NYSC-industry mapping as some of the areas that could form part of the proposed collaboration.

“I commend your commitment to developing indigenous capacity. The platform you have provided has greatly enhanced the competence of Nigerian engineering professionals, putting them on par with their peers across the globe,” Okwosa said.

He stressed the importance of converting the recommendations and observations from the inspection into concrete and measurable programmes.

Okwosa expressed optimism that the engagement would serve as the foundation for a long-term strategic relationship between the NSE and Zobis.

The inspection therefore marks an important step towards closer collaboration between professional engineering practitioners and indigenous manufacturers, with the potential to create employment and training opportunities for engineers while promoting local industrial capacity and technological development.

The inspection team included representatives of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Anambra State, alongside members of the NSE Onitsha Branch and the management team of Zobis Wires and Cables Limited.