Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has welcomed plans by a consortium of investors proposing to establish a 145-million-dollar solar manufacturing plant in the state, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling business environment and protecting their investment.
The proposed facility, to be located at Umuelele in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, is expected to be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Abia State Government and MD Nwakamma Nigeria Limited in collaboration with Chinese technical partners.
Receiving the investors, led by their Team Lead, Dr Oko Jaja, in his office, on Thursday, Governor Otti expressed satisfaction that the project had reached its final investment stage.
“I’m glad that at least you have reached the final investment decision where you are investing up to 145 million Dollars.
“That is very good. This is what we stand for, creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and for people to invest.
“We had to do everything that was required to make the land available. And we would like to assure you that if there is any other thing that you need for this investment, do not hesitate to let us know”, the governor said.
Governor Otti said the state attaches great importance to productive investments because of their potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth and improve the welfare of residents.
“It is not just the investment; it is what goes with the investment, the jobs that it will create, the GDP that would rise and the prosperity that it will also generate. So those are very important to us.
“So we don’t take investors lightly. We try to protect them and make life easy for them. So I want to encourage you to continue to do what you are doing. And like I said, if there is any way we can support, feel free to let us know”, he added.
Earlier, the team lead, Dr Oko Jaja said the visit to the governor by the delegation was to brief him on the progress made towards the establishment of the proposed solar manufacturing plant.
He disclosed that the consortium, working with its Chinese partners, planned to invest about 145 million dollars in the project and commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for investors.
According to him, the first tranche of funding for the project is expected to be released in September 2026.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of MD Nwakamma Nigeria Limited, Mr Dennis Madu Nwakamma, said the company was set to establish the solar manufacturing plant at Umuelele Isiala Ngwa South LGA, through a PPP arrangement with the Abia State Government.
He explained that the visit by the company’s Chinese technical partners to the proposed site forms part of the preliminary assessment ahead of the commencement of the project.
Nwakamma said the factory was expected to commence operations by the end of September, describing it as a major step towards expanding renewable energy manufacturing and industrial development in Abia.
He disclosed that beyond producing solar panels and related accessories, the project would create employment opportunities for young people through skills acquisition and technical training.
According to him, the company has already begun training youths in solar installation and related technologies, while selected personnel would be sent to China for advanced training in solar manufacturing once production begins.
Nwakanma said the initiative would strengthen local technical capacity and position Abia as a leading hub for renewable energy manufacturing in Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr Ikechukwu Monday, Commissioner for Lands, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, the Director-General of the Public-Private Partnership Office and other senior government officials were present during the meeting.
