By Peter Okore, Umuahia
Abia State is set to strengthen its position in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector with plans for the establishment of a $145 million solar manufacturing plant in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Leader of the visiting Chinese solar manufacturing delegation and representative of the investors, Dr Oko Jaja, said Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to creating an enabling business environment has continued to attract both local and foreign investors to the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti in Umuahia, Jaja said the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, ease of doing business and investment protection gave investors the confidence to proceed with the project.
He explained that the visit was to update the governor on the progress made towards establishing the proposed solar manufacturing plant at Umuelele in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
According to him, the investors, in partnership with their Chinese counterparts, are committing about $145 million to the project, while the first tranche of funding is expected to be released by September 2026 to commence the next phase of implementation.
Jaja commended the Abia State Government for creating an investment-friendly environment, which he said continues to attract major investments into the state.
Responding, Governor Otti welcomed the investors and expressed satisfaction that the project had reached the Final Investment Decision (FID) stage.
He described the planned investment as a strong endorsement of Abia’s improving business climate and economic prospects, assuring the investors of his administration’s continued support.
“I’m glad that you have reached the Final Investment Decision stage where you are investing up to $145 million.
“We did everything required to make the land available, and if there is anything else you need to facilitate this investment, do not hesitate to let us know,” the governor said.
Otti stressed that his administration places a high premium on investments because of their capacity to create jobs, increase economic output and improve the standard of living of residents.
“We do not take investors lightly. It is not just about the investment itself, but the jobs it will create, the contribution it will make to the state’s GDP and the prosperity it will generate. We will continue to protect investments and make the business environment conducive,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of MD Nwakanma Nigeria Limited, Dennis Madu Nwakanma, said the company would establish the solar manufacturing plant through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with the Abia State Government.
He said the visit by the company’s Chinese technical partners formed part of the preliminary assessment ahead of the commencement of construction, which is expected to begin before the end of September.
According to Nwakanma, the factory will manufacture solar panels and other renewable energy components while creating employment opportunities for young people in the state.
He added that the company has already commenced training youths in solar installation and related technologies, noting that selected workers would receive advanced technical training in China once production begins.
He expressed confidence that the project would significantly boost renewable energy production, promote industrialisation and position Abia as a leading hub for renewable energy manufacturing in Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday; the Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije; the Director-General of the Public-Private Partnership Office; and other senior government officials.