By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
Manufacturers in Anambra State, and across the South East, gathered this morning with one urgent matter on their minds: energy.
At the MAN South East Industrial Energy Solutions & Investment Symposium, members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Branch came together with government officials, regulators, financiers and technology partners to confront the challenge slowing factories and raising costs.
Welcoming guests, the Chairman of the Branch, Lady (Dr.) Adaora Ogochukwu Chukwudozie, said the meeting was not just another event. It was a response to what manufacturers have been saying for years.
“Manufacturing remains one of the strongest drivers of economic growth, industrialisation and job creation,” she said. “Yet manufacturers across Nigeria are operating in an increasingly challenging business environment. Among all the issues we face, one stands above the rest. Energy.”
She explained that for manufacturers, energy is more than a production input. It is the foundation of productivity and competitiveness. When power is unreliable or expensive, production costs go up, expansion slows, and investment becomes harder.
Dr. Chukwudozie noted that manufacturers are no longer asking if affordable energy is important. They already know it is. What they are asking now are practical questions: Which solution is right for my factory? Who can I trust? How will it be financed? Who will implement it? And will it work? That is why MAN decided to act beyond talking.
“This symposium is more than a conference,” she said. “It is a platform for collaboration. Government, regulators, financiers, technology providers, engineering experts and manufacturers are here to explore practical solutions to one of the most pressing challenges confronting our industries.”
The objective, she stated, is simple: to provide clarity, build confidence, strengthen partnerships, and help manufacturers make informed decisions about affordable, reliable and sustainable industrial power.
To coordinate this effort, MAN has established the MAN Power Development Company Limited, MPDCL. Working with experienced partners, MPDCL will combine technology, financing and implementation support to help manufacturers access better energy options.
Participants at the symposium will hear directly from those partners, ask questions, and explore solutions relevant to their businesses. Immediately after, the CEO Energy Transformation Clinic will offer preliminary assessments and implementation pathways. For manufacturers ready to proceed, the MAN Industrial Energy Adoption Programme also begins today.
Dr. Chukwudozie highlighted Juddy-Bolema Industries Limited as one of the first companies to join the initiative. “Its willingness to take that first step reflects the leadership and courage that drive industrial progress,” she said.
She appealed to all stakeholders present to support the project, stressing that its success would be a collective success for the South East and for Nigerian manufacturing.
“If this first project succeeds, it will inspire confidence, encourage more manufacturers to embrace the programme, attract further investment, and show that practical collaboration can deliver practical solutions,” she added.
She urged participants to listen attentively, engage partners, and take full advantage of the discussions.
“On behalf of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Branch, I warmly welcome you and wish you a productive and rewarding symposium,” Dr. Chukwudozie concluded.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government representing the Executive Governor of Anambra State, the President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, OFR, the Chairman of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Honourable Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, royal fathers, captains of industry and other distinguished guests.
