By Joseph Rankin
In a bustling region once characterised by vibrant economic activity and entrepreneurial spirit, the fate of three paper mills stood as a promise unfulfilled—a testament to both hope and despair. These mills were more than mere facilities; they represented a collective ambition to meet the nation’s burgeoning demand for paper and paper products. At the forefront of this dream was the Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company Limited (NNMC), a once-thriving entity whose story is woven into the fabric of Oku Iboku, Akwa Ibom State. This tale, marked by ambition, potential and ultimately bitter disillusionment, serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when promise is squandered.
Established in 1975, NNMC was heralded as a pioneering venture with the capacity to produce a staggering 100,000 metric tons of finished newsprint annually. As the only newsprint manufacturing company in the West and Central African region, NNMC was poised to make a significant impact, both locally and internationally. The anticipation peaked in the mid-1980s with the commissioning of its first paper machine in 1986 and a second the following year. For a fleeting period from 1986 to 1993, NNMC operated with vigour, ultimately producing a total of 163,684 metric tons of newsprint. However, this output fell woefully short of the anticipated 800,000 metric tons – illustrating a mismatched expectation against the looming reality.
By 1994, the mill was forcibly shut down, leaving behind the echoes of production that once propelled the local economy. The closure marked the end of an era for NNMC which had been exporting its products to countries such as the USA, Cameroon, Togo, Ghana and Zimbabwe. It had not only played a vital role in the economy of Oku Iboku but had acted as an emblem of progress for the entire nation. The horizon of hope dimmed and, with it, the aspirations of countless families who relied on the mill for their livelihood vanished into thin air.
Seven years later, the hope for revival was reignited when NNMC was privatised. Yet, this glimmer of potential quickly faded as the promised renaissance remained elusive. After the sale of the company in 2008 to Negris Holding Ltd, which subsequently rebranded it as Oku Iboku Pulp and Paper Ltd, the expectations of revitalisation were met with stark disappointment. The new owners displayed a glaring lack of financial capacity to resuscitate the mill, opting instead for asset stripping. Essential equipment, including cranes, heavy-duty trucks, electric motors and pipes, were removed and sold off, symbolising a complete disregard for the facility’s operational capabilities and the community’s well-being.
In a broader context, this negligence reflects a troubling trend in the privatisation of public assets. The House of Representatives has since taken steps to probe not only the flawed sale process of NNMC but also the systematic failure to operate. Unfortunately, this scrutiny comes too late for the workers and families left in its wake of destruction. The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), charged with ensuring the successful transition from public to private ownership, has performed poorly in its role to monitor and enforce standards. It has now been years since the deadline for the new owner to reactivate the mill elapsed without any tangible progress reported.
Amid this backdrop, the implications reach far beyond the walls of the mill. The ripple effect permeates all layers of the economy. The non-performance of the three significant paper mills, including Nigeria Paper Mill (NPM) in Jebba and Nigerian National Paper Manufacturing Company (NNPMC) in Ogun State, has led the nation into an economic quagmire. By 2015, Nigeria was expected to lose approximately N180 billion due to the inactivity of these mills while an additional N50 billion was spent yearly importing paper. What once stood as a bastion of industrial strength now serves as a mirror reflecting the failure to harness homegrown resources and satisfy domestic needs.
The history of NNMC is more than just numbers and economic forecasts; it is deeply tied to the lifeblood of Oku Iboku and its neighbouring cities – Calabar, Uyo, and Ikot Ekpene. The mill was not only a significant employer, providing thousands of jobs; it was a source of community identity and pride. Families depended on its operations for steady income, enabling them to invest in their futures – their children’s education and overall well-being. The arrival of jobs at NNMC created a positive ripple effect, fostering demand for local services and goods, thus bolstering the entire local economy. Shops and eateries emerged to cater to the needs of mill employees and the resulting circulation of money invigorated the region, highlighting the interconnectedness between successful enterprise and vibrant communities.
Moreover, NNMC’s impact transcended mere economics; it established educational and recreational initiatives that enriched the lives of those in Oku Iboku. The mill developed staff schools, providing quality education for the children of its employees, a vital investment in the future of the community. With resources aimed at developing the next generation, NNMC fostered a sense of hope that extended beyond the present. Additionally, the establishment of recreational teams, such as a football club, encouraged camaraderie among workers and their families, creating a supportive and cohesive community.
From an infrastructure perspective, NNMC facilitated the development of critical services and amenities. The mill’s bustling activities attracted attention from contractors and investors, leading to vital improvements in local infrastructure. Roads and transport systems saw enhancements that made movement easier and more efficient for residents and businesses alike. The visibility of economic activity, characterised by trailers lined up to load paper products, served as a beacon for the attractiveness of Oku Iboku as a place of opportunity and promise.
However, with the decline of NNMC came a profound sense of loss. The shuttering of the mill fractured the economic foundations of Oku Iboku. Families that once thrived now find themselves grappling with the harsh realities of unemployment and uncertainty. The once-bustling shops and eateries face an uphill battle for survival in a drastically transformed economic landscape. Educational and recreational initiatives that once flourished now exist in shadowy remnants, leaving a void in community engagement and youth opportunities.
As we survey the landscape of Oku Iboku, the tragic truth becomes evident: the decline of NNMC is emblematic of wasted opportunity.
The narrative contains a cautionary tale for policymakers and stakeholders: the need for diligent management, effective privatisation strategies and robust community engagement is imperative when nurturing resources that could revitalise entire regions.
Furthermore, the failure to source the necessary raw materials, like long fiber trees, further exacerbates the situation. This ongoing struggle illustrates a lack of national strategy for paper production and a disconnect between the government’s objectives and ground realities. Without serious commitment and actionable plans, attracting genuine investors remains an uphill battle, perpetuating the cycle of decline.
In conclusion, the demise of the NNMC and its consequences reverberate deeply within the fabric of Oku Iboku and its surrounding cities. It serves as a sombre reminder that industries do not merely represent economic entities; they embody the aspirations, labour and hopes of their communities. The echoes of what once was resonate loudly, intertwining with a narrative that implores us to reclaim lost potential.
The legacy of NNMC calls for urgent action and collective responsibility; it is time for stakeholders, community leaders and policymakers to step forward and not only investigate past failures but also forge pathways to revitalisation. By nurturing local industries and aligning government strategies with the aspirations of the people, we might yet breathe new life into these vital resources, turning the tide of despair into a movement of hope for future generations.
Through collaboration, innovation and an unwavering commitment to progress, the heartbeat of Oku Iboku can be reignited. As we navigate the complexities of growth and development, may we remember that embedded within every challenge lies the potential for renewal – f only we dare to take action. In this shared narrative of resilience and rebirth, we must strive to ensure a future where opportunity flourishes and the story of NNMC becomes not just a tale of what has been lost but a testament to what can be reclaimed and rebuilt.
A former staff of NNMC, Dr Rankin, now based in the USA, is a distinguished consultant in international relations and global security, specialising in strategic security, global affairs and human rights advocacy.
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