The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has launched the Industrial Energy Adoption Programme to help manufacturers reduce energy costs by up to 45 per cent, accelerate the transition to low-carbon industrial production and expand access to financing, renewable energy technologies and strategic public-private partnerships.
The programme was unveiled by the President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, at the South East Industrial Energy Solutions and Investment Symposium in Awka, Anambra State.
Designed to address one of the manufacturing sector’s biggest challenges, high energy costs, the programme will provide manufacturers with integrated access to renewable energy technologies, project financing, engineering services and technical support through a coordinated implementation framework.
Speaking at the launch, Meshioye said reliable and affordable electricity remained critical to improving Nigeria’s industrial productivity and global competitiveness.
He commended the MAN Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi branches for developing a practical framework that would enable manufacturers to transition from costly and unreliable power sources to more sustainable energy solutions.
“The future competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturing depends significantly on access to affordable and reliable energy,” Meshioye said, urging manufacturers to embrace the programme while calling on government and private-sector stakeholders to support its implementation.
The symposium, hosted by the Chairman of MAN’s Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Branch, Adaora Chukwudozie, brought together government officials, regulators, financiers, development partners, technology companies, engineering firms and manufacturers under the theme, “From High Energy Costs to Affordable Power: An Opportunity for Manufacturers.”
In her remarks, Chukwudozie said the programme was conceived in response to manufacturers’ growing concerns over rising energy costs and the challenges of adopting alternative energy solutions.
She noted that manufacturers increasingly require practical guidance on suitable technologies, financing options, credible implementation partners and project viability.
“MAN recognises that leadership goes beyond identifying industry challenges. It also requires creating practical pathways to sustainable solutions through strategic partnerships,” the Chairman of MAN’s Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Branch stated.
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A key component of the programme is an implementation framework developed by the MAN Power Development Company Limited (MPDCL), the association’s specialised energy subsidiary.
Presenting the framework, MPDCL Managing Director, Owe Sam, said the company had established an integrated delivery model that combines project development, engineering, technology, financing and implementation under a single platform.
According to him, participating manufacturers could reduce their energy costs by between 40 and 45 per cent, depending on operational requirements and project configuration.
To improve access to funding, the programme incorporates a financing model supported by Norwegian renewable energy investment company, Empower New Energy, enabling qualified manufacturers to deploy modern energy infrastructure without significant upfront capital expenditure.
Huawei Technologies will provide digital power solutions, photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage technologies, while Paras Energy and Natural Resources Limited will serve as the engineering, procurement and construction partner. Contec Global Energy Limited is also participating as an industry partner.
Keystone Bank joined the programme as a strategic banking partner to support project financing, financial advisory services and the development of bankable industrial energy investments.
The Anambra State Government also pledged support through the Secretary to the State Government, Chiamaka Nnake, who represented Governor Charles Soludo.
She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for industrial investment, infrastructure development and sustainable economic growth.
Chairman and Chief Executive Commissioner of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), Prof. Nwoye Okafor, said the commission would continue to provide transparent and investor-friendly regulatory processes to support industrial energy investments.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Chukwudi Agumadu, said expanding access to reliable electricity remains essential to industrial development, economic growth and job creation.
Beyond reducing operating costs, organisers said the programme will also help manufacturers lower carbon emissions, strengthen environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and position eligible companies to benefit from emerging carbon credit markets.
Juddy-Bolema Industries Limited was unveiled as one of the programme’s pioneer participants.
Its Managing Director, Jude Onyebu, presented the company’s energy transition project, which will serve as a demonstration of the integrated financing and implementation model.
The symposium also marked the launch of the CEO Energy Transformation Clinic, where manufacturers will receive preliminary energy assessments, indicative savings analyses, financing options, technology recommendations and tailored implementation roadmaps.
Registration for the Industrial Energy Adoption Programme commenced at the event, beginning a structured process covering project assessment, financing, engineering, construction and commissioning.
Participants concluded the symposium by reaffirming their commitment to collaboration among government, regulators, financial institutions, technology providers and manufacturers to expand access to affordable, reliable and sustainable industrial energy.
Organisers said the programme’s success would ultimately be measured by the number of manufacturers that successfully transition to lower-cost energy, the investments mobilised, jobs protected and created, and its contribution to strengthening the competitiveness of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
