MAN Unveils Industrial Energy Action Plan to Cut Manufacturers’ Power Costs in S’East by 45 Percent

By Polycarp Onwubiko

AWKA – The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Southeast Zone, has launched an ambitious industrial energy adoption programme aimed at reducing manufacturers’ electricity costs by as much as 45 percent, describing affordable and reliable power as the key to revitalising Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

The initiative was unveiled during the Industrial Energy Solutions and Investment Symposium held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, with the theme: “From High Energy Costs to Affordable Power: An Opportunity for Manufacturers.”

The symposium brought together government officials, regulators, financiers, technology providers, development partners and manufacturers to explore practical energy solutions capable of improving productivity, attracting investment and restoring the competitiveness of industries across the Southeast.

Delivering her welcome address, Chairman of MAN Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Branch, Lady (Dr.) Adaora Ogochukwu Chukwudozie, said the gathering reflected a collective determination to reposition Nigerian manufacturing through sustainable energy solutions.

“Your presence here today reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Nigerian manufacturing and building a more competitive and sustainable industrial future,” she said.

Lady Chukwudozie, who is also Chairman of Keystone Bank, noted that while manufacturers face numerous operational challenges, energy remains the single biggest obstacle to industrial growth.

“For manufacturers, energy is far more than a production input. It is the foundation of productivity, competitiveness and growth. When energy becomes unreliable or unaffordable, production costs rise, expansion slows, competitiveness declines and investment becomes increasingly difficult.”

According to her, manufacturers are no longer debating the importance of affordable power but are instead demanding practical answers.

“They are asking: Which solution is right for my factory? Who can I trust? How will the project be financed? Who will implement it? Most importantly, will it work? Those are legitimate questions every responsible business leader must ask before making major investment decisions.”

She explained that the association established the MAN Power Development Company Limited (MPDCL) to coordinate practical energy solutions for manufacturers through strategic partnerships with technology providers, engineering experts and financiers.

The symposium, she said, was designed to move beyond discussions by connecting manufacturers directly with solution providers and investors.

“This is more than a conference. It is a platform for collaboration that will provide clarity, build confidence, strengthen partnerships and help manufacturers make informed decisions on affordable, reliable and sustainable industrial power.”

She disclosed that participating manufacturers would immediately begin engagements through a CEO Energy Transformation Clinic, where energy assessments and implementation pathways would be developed under the newly inaugurated MAN Industrial Energy Adoption Programme.

Lady Chukwudozie announced that Juddy-Bolema Industries Limited had become one of the pioneer companies participating in the initiative.

“If this first project succeeds, it will inspire confidence, encourage more manufacturers to embrace the programme, attract further investment and demonstrate that practical collaboration can solve one of the greatest challenges facing Nigerian manufacturing.”

Speaking further on the programme, she lamented that the Southeast has continued to suffer from inadequate access to the national gas pipeline network, forcing industries to rely heavily on expensive diesel-powered generators.

She noted that the high cost of energy has left many manufacturers operating below 30 percent of installed production capacity, while several others have either shut down or scaled back operations.

“Energy has remained the largest cost component for manufacturers in the Southeast. This initiative is timely because many industries are struggling to survive. Based on the presentations made today, we are optimistic that participating companies can reduce their energy costs by about 45 percent.”

She added that achieving affordable industrial power requires collaboration among governments, regulators, financial institutions and private investors.

Lady Chukwudozie praised foreign financiers, particularly Norwegian partners, for offering long-term financing spanning 15 to 20 years, describing such funding as critical to making industrial energy projects commercially viable.

She also commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting manufacturers through tax reforms and policies aimed at eliminating multiple taxation in Anambra State.

Also addressing journalists, MAN National President, Otumba Francis Meshioye, described energy as the biggest challenge confronting Nigerian manufacturers.

He applauded Governor Soludo’s partnership with manufacturers and called on the Federal Government to introduce policies that would reduce production costs, improve access to affordable energy and lower tariffs on imported industrial raw materials.

“Energy remains the key to industrial productivity. Government and the private sector must work together to develop sustainable policies that will make Nigerian manufacturing globally competitive.”

In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Umueri and Okebo of Umueri, HRM Igwe Beneth Emeka, stressed that affordable energy would stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities and significantly reduce poverty.

He commended Lady Chukwudozie for attracting international technical partners to the project and disclosed plans to adopt solar energy solutions in his hospitality businesses to reduce operating costs.

The monarch urged governments at all levels to support MAN’s industrial energy initiative, describing it as a strategic intervention capable of transforming the manufacturing landscape of the Southeast and Nigeria as a whole.

The symposium ended with renewed optimism that stronger collaboration between government, financiers and the private sector will accelerate the adoption of affordable energy solutions for manufacturers. Stakeholders expressed confidence that the MAN Industrial Energy Adoption Programme could become a turning point for industrial revival in the Southeast, improving productivity, reducing production costs and strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing competitiveness.