By Sarah Ezeh
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, has launched a new industrial energy programme aimed at reducing electricity costs for manufacturers in the South-East by more than 42 per cent, a move expected to boost production, attract investment and improve the competitiveness of local industries.
The programme was unveiled on Thursday at the MAN South-East Industrial Energy Solutions and Investment Symposium in Awka, Anambra State.
It will be implemented through the newly established MAN Power Development Company Limited (MPDCL) to provide participating manufacturers with affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.
Under the programme, electricity tariffs for manufacturers are projected to drop from about ₦209 per kilowatt-hour to approximately ₦130 per kilowatt-hour through dedicated power infrastructure, renewable energy solutions and innovative financing arrangements.
The scheme is also expected to reduce reliance on diesel generators, lower production costs and support job creation.
Chairman of MAN Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States Branch, Lady Dr. Adaora Ogochukwu Chukwudozie, described affordable electricity as critical to industrial productivity and competitiveness.
She said rising electricity tariffs and unreliable grid supply have become major challenges for manufacturers, forcing many businesses to spend heavily on self-generated power.
According to her, the symposium was designed to connect manufacturers with regulators, financial institutions, technology providers and development partners capable of delivering practical and sustainable energy solutions.
Chukwudozie said MPDCL had developed an integrated framework combining financing, engineering expertise, advanced technology and implementation support to help manufacturers transition to cleaner and more affordable energy sources.
She also announced the launch of the MAN Industrial Energy Adoption Programme, which provides manufacturers with support ranging from energy audits to financing and project implementation.
She added that Juddy-Bolema Industries Limited was among the first companies to subscribe to the programme and called on governments, investors and development partners to support its expansion.
President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, described the programme as a practical response to one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian manufacturers.
He disclosed that manufacturers spent about ₦1.34 trillion on alternative energy in 2025, with energy accounting for up to 40 per cent of production costs in many industries.
Meshioye said the association’s Industrial Energy Access and Transition Programme would connect manufacturers with affordable and environmentally sustainable energy through strategic partnerships and innovative financing.
Declaring the symposium open, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to expanding private sector participation in electricity generation and distribution.
He said affordable and reliable electricity remains central to industrial growth and highlighted the establishment of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, ASERC, as part of reforms to attract investment into the sector.
Chairman of ASERC, Prof. Frank Okafor, called for sustained investment, effective regulation and improved energy efficiency to strengthen industrial competitiveness.
The symposium also featured the official unveiling of MAN Power Development Company Limited, MPDCL.
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