Businessmen who become politicians can bring fresh energy into the public service. They come from an ecosystem that is driven by urgency to produce measurable results.
Chief Nnaji built a substantial business empire before entering politics, particularly in the importation and procurement sectors.
Early Entrepreneurial Start: Following the loss of his father in 1978, his mother’s guidance on integrity and hard work shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. After his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, he chose to start a business instead of seeking employment, using initial funds from his mother to procure pharmaceuticals in London.
Business Expansion: His company expanded rapidly, focusing on the importation and procurement of Pharmaceuticals, Medical devices (Notably, he is cited as the first African to procure a CT scan from PHILIPS MEDICAL, Hamburg, Germany, in the mid-1980s).
Major Contracts: His success in procurement led to major international contracts and a shift from air cargo to full-scale shipping. A key project was the procurement and installation of hospital-grade sanitary wares and plumbing materials for the new University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla.
Industrial Ventures: His investments expanded into other industrial sectors, including manufacturing, importation, and trade, providing significant employment, particularly in Enugu State. Sources close to him have also mentioned businesses in Oil and Gas, E-commerce, Wood, Nylon, and Velvet.
As a Minister:
Under the Leadership of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has evolved from a traditionally policy-focused agency into a dynamic catalyst for Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Ministry redefined its mandate—delivering bold, impact-driven projects that drive local manufacturing, energy transition, healthcare innovation, and foreign direct investment (FDI).
Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji will translate his business successes into running Enugu State efficiently, effectively, and successfully come 2027.
