MR. JOHN EZEOBI, Chairman/CEO, John Zobis Group of companies
Industrialist of the year
Mr. John Ezeobi is a visionary industrialist, entrepreneur, and business strategist whose leadership has transformed John Zobis Group of Companies into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and diversified conglomerates. With over a decade of hands-on experience in manufacturing, engineering, oil and gas, and electrical distribution, he is widely regarded as a pioneer in creating sustainable value chains across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
A Public Administration graduate of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Mr. Ezeobi ventured into the industrial and electrical manufacturing sector with an uncommon passion for innovation, indigenous production, and global standards. His career journey has been marked by resilience, foresight, and a commitment to building institutions that empower businesses, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mr. Ezeobi’s entrepreneurship journey began in October 2012, when he established Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd, in partnership with Chinese technical experts, to meet the growing demand for high-quality electrical wires and armoured cables in Nigeria and West Africa. While operations initially relied on imported raw materials, the company achieved a major milestone in 2018 when it commenced local sourcing of raw materials, significantly boosting indigenous production capacity and promoting Nigeria’s industrial independence.
This bold step laid the foundation for what has today evolved into the John Zobis Group of Companies, a conglomerate with diversified subsidiaries across multiple industries, serving over 1,000 businesses nationwide.
The members of the John Zobis Group include Zobis Cable Nigeria Ltd; John Zobis Engineering Nigeria Ltd; John Zobis Oil and Gas Ltd; Zobis Electrical Nigeria Ltd; JZ Bulbs Nigeria Ltd; and John Zobis Company Ltd.
Zobis Cable Nigeria limited specializes in the production of high and medium-voltage cables, armored cables, copper wires, and conductors; John Zobis Engineering Nigeria Ltd provides cutting-edge engineering, construction, and real estate services; John Zobis Oil and Gas Ltd focuses on downstream and midstream oil and gas value chain services, supplying petroleum products, logistics solutions, and energy consultancy to support Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth; Zobis Electrical Nigeria Ltd distributes and sells arm catering to wholesalers, retailers, contractors, and corporate clients; JZ Bulbs Nigeria Ltd specializes in energy-efficient lighting solutions; while John Zobis Company Ltd serves as the group’s central corporate services and business development hub. It oversees partnerships, investment opportunities, and group-wide strategic initiatives.
The John Zobis Group has a presence in over 11 states across Nigeria through owned branches and strategic partnerships, a clientele base of over 1,000 businesses in real estate, construction, energy, banking, and manufacturing. The Group’s local raw material sourcing initiative since 2018 has reduced reliance on imports, fostering self-reliance and creating jobs.
The Group has very important certifications and recognitions, including certification by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for quality and compliance in cable and electrical products, accreditation as member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) through its engineering subsidiary, and recognition for excellence in manufacturing and industrial leadership by industry associations. It is fully compliant with international safety standards such as ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems in relevant subsidiaries; ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System; and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
Under Mr. Ezeobi’s leadership, the John Zobis Group has continued to expand its frontiers through innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable business practices. His vision is to position the group as a pan-African conglomerate, with a strong presence in industrial manufacturing, energy, engineering, and electrical solutions, contributing to the economic transformation of Nigeria and the continent at large.
The selection of Mr. John EZEOBI as The Topp10 Magazine’s Industrialist of the Year is in recognition of his numerous achievements as one of the leading lights revolutionizing the Nigerian industrial sector as exemplified by the innovative contribution of his organization to the development of the Nigerian energy economy.
