By Michael Ovat
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has officially launched the “MAN Industrial Energy Adoption Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at reducing manufacturers’ energy costs, accelerating industrial competitiveness and positioning Nigerian industries for a low-carbon future.
The programme was formally launched by the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Otunba Francis Meshioye, during the MAN South East Industrial Energy Solutions and Investment Symposium, held in Awka, Anambra state, on Friday, July 31st, 2026.
The Symposium, hosted by the Chairman of MAN, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Branch, Lady Adaora Ogochukwu Chukwudozie, brought together senior government officials, regulators, financiers, technology companies, engineering partners, development institutions and manufacturers under the theme.
Declaring the programme open, Otunba Meshioye described affordable and reliable energy as one of the most critical requirements for improving Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.
He commended the Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Branch for developing a practical implementation framework capable of helping manufacturers transition from expensive and unreliable power to sustainable industrial energy solutions.
He urged manufacturers to embrace the initiative and encouraged stakeholders across the public and private sectors to support its successful implementation.
In her welcome address, Lady Adaora Chukwudozie said the initiative was conceived in response to one of the greatest concerns consistently raised by manufacturers—the rising cost of energy.
She explained that while manufacturers fully appreciate the importance of affordable energy, their concerns have become increasingly practical.
“Manufacturers are asking: Which solution is right for my factory? Who can I trust? How will the project be financed? Who will implement it? And will it truly work for my business?”
She noted that MAN recognised its responsibility could not end with identifying challenges,
“Leadership demands more. It requires us to create opportunities for solutions, build credible partnerships and provide practical pathways for progress.”
She described the Symposium as more than a conference, explaining that it was deliberately designed to assemble every critical stakeholder required to move manufacturers from interest to implementation.
“Today, MAN is not merely describing the other side of the river. Today, we are presenting the bridge.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the implementation framework developed by the Managing Director of the MAN Power Development Company Limited (MPDCL), Mr. Owe Sam, MBA.
Mr. Sam explained that MPDCL was established by MAN as its specialised energy platform to coordinate practical solutions for manufacturers.
Working with strategic technical, financial and implementation partners, MPDCL has developed an integrated delivery model that simplifies industrial energy transition by bringing together project development, engineering, financing, technology and implementation within one coordinated framework.
The programme is expected to help participating manufacturers reduce energy costs by as much as 40–45 per cent, depending on each company’s operational profile and project configuration.
A distinguishing feature of the initiative is its innovative financing model, supported by Empower New Energy, a Norwegian renewable-energy investment company.
Through the financing structure, qualified manufacturers can access modern industrial energy infrastructure without the burden of significant upfront capital expenditure.
The model is designed to remove one of the biggest barriers preventing industries from adopting cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.
The programme is supported by leading international and local technology and engineering companies.
Huawei Technologies** is participating as a strategic technology partner, providing intelligent digital-power solutions, smart photovoltaic systems and advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) capable of integrating solar generation, battery storage and grid power to improve industrial energy reliability.
Paras Energy and Natural Resources Limited** serves as the strategic engineering and project implementation partner, providing engineering, procurement, construction and technical delivery services required for successful deployment.
Contec Global Energy Limited** also participated in the initiative, reinforcing private-sector collaboration in expanding sustainable industrial-energy solutions.
Recognising that financing remains central to industrial transformation, Keystone Bank Limited participated as a strategic banking partner and financial-services provider.
The Bank joins other financing stakeholders in supporting the commercial structuring of projects, financial advisory services and the development of bankable industrial-energy investments.
The Anambra State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, who represented Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR.
She commended MAN for convening a practical solution-driven initiative and assured participants of the State Government’s continued collaboration in creating an enabling environment for industrial investment, infrastructure development and sustainable economic growth.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Commissioner of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), Prof. Nwoye Okafor**, pledged the Commission’s full support for responsible industrial-energy development.
He assured investors and manufacturers that the Commission would continue working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to facilitate transparent, investor-friendly and efficient regulatory processes that encourage innovation while protecting the integrity of the electricity market.
The Honourable Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Chukwudi C. Agumadu also reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to expanding access to reliable electricity for productive sectors of the economy.
He stressed that industrial development and job creation depend on a resilient energy ecosystem and pledged continued collaboration with MAN and industry partners.
One of the major highlights of the Symposium was the presentation of Juddy-Bolema Industries Limited as one of the pioneering manufacturers participating in the programme.
The Symposium also marked the commencement of the CEO Energy Transformation Clinic, where manufacturers will engage directly with MPDCL, Empower New Energy, Huawei, Paras Energy, Keystone Bank and other strategic partners.
The Clinic will provide participating manufacturers with preliminary energy assessments, indicative savings analyses, financing options, technology recommendations and implementation roadmaps tailored to their specific operations.
Interested companies also commenced registration under the MAN Industrial Energy Adoption Programme**, beginning a structured implementation process from assessment through financing, engineering, construction and commissioning.
The Symposium concluded with a collective commitment by Government, regulators, financiers, technology providers, engineering partners and manufacturers to work together in delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable industrial energy solutions.
Participants agreed that the success of the programme would be measured not by speeches delivered, but by the number of manufacturers successfully transitioned to lower-cost energy, the investments unlocked, the jobs protected and created, and the contribution of the initiative to a more competitive, sustainable and globally positioned Nigerian manufacturing sector.
