By Ebele Ofodile
The atmosphere was one of optimism as the hall filled early with government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry, financial institutions, technology providers, and manufacturers from Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States. They had gathered with a shared purpose – to confront one of the greatest challenges facing Nigerian manufacturing: energy.
Delivering the opening address at the MAN South-East Industrial Energy Solutions and Investment Symposium, the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Branch, Lady (Dr.) Adaora Ogochukwu Chukwudozie, set the tone for the day’s discussions with a powerful reminder that manufacturing remains the backbone of economic growth, industrialisation, job creation and national prosperity. Yet, she observed, that backbone continues to be weakened by the persistent burden of unreliable and expensive energy.
“Energy is not just another cost for manufacturers,” she said. “It is the foundation of productivity, competitiveness and growth. When power is unreliable or unaffordable, everything else suffers. Costs rise. Expansion stalls. Investments pause.”
She explained that over the years, the Association had listened carefully to the concerns of its members. Manufacturers were no longer asking whether affordable energy was important. Their questions had become more practical and solution-oriented: Which technology best suits my factory? Who can I trust to deliver? How can I finance the project? Who will implement it? And, ultimately, will it work?
According to her, MAN recognised that identifying problems alone was no longer sufficient. Real leadership, she stressed, lies in creating practical solutions. It was this conviction that informed the decision to convene the symposium—not merely as another industry conference, but as a platform where government, regulators, financiers, technology providers and manufacturers could collaborate to unlock sustainable energy solutions for industry.
The objective, she noted, was straightforward: to provide manufacturers with the information, confidence and partnerships needed to make informed decisions about reliable, affordable and sustainable energy investments.
To support that vision, Dr. Chukwudozie announced that the Association had established the MAN Power Development Company Limited (MPDCL), an initiative created to bridge the gap between technology providers, financiers and manufacturers. Through the company, she explained, businesses would receive the technical guidance, financing support and implementation assistance required to transition to efficient energy solutions without having to navigate the complex process alone.
She disclosed that the initiative was moving beyond policy discussions into concrete action. Following the symposium, participating manufacturers would engage experts through the CEO Energy Transformation Clinic, where preliminary assessments of their energy needs would be conducted. Those ready to proceed would then be enrolled in the MAN Industrial Energy Adoption Programme—a structured process designed to take manufacturers from assessment through financing to full project implementation.
Highlighting the programme’s first major milestone, Dr. Chukwudozie commended Juddy-Bolema Industries Limited for volunteering to become one of the pioneer companies under the initiative.
“This courage reflects the kind of leadership we need to move our industries forward,” she remarked.
She, however, emphasised that the initiative extended far beyond a single company. Rather, it represented an opportunity to demonstrate what could be achieved when governments, regulators, financiers, technology providers and manufacturers worked together towards a common objective. She therefore appealed to every stakeholder present to support the pioneering project, expressing confidence that its success would inspire wider industry participation.
“If this first project succeeds,” she said, “it will inspire confidence. More manufacturers will join. More investment will come. And we will show that practical collaboration can solve one of the biggest problems facing Nigerian manufacturing.”
Bringing her address to a close, Dr. Chukwudozie encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the symposium by asking questions, exchanging experiences and building lasting partnerships.
“If you leave here today with clarity, stronger partnerships and a practical pathway to affordable power, then we have achieved our purpose,” she said.
With those words, she formally declared the MAN South-East Industrial Energy Solutions and Investment Symposium open, offering prayers for the continued growth of the Association, the prosperity of Anambra State and the progress of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
