Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed delight over a proposed $145 million solar manufacturing plant in the state, describing the investment as a major boost to industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.
The project, being developed by MD Nwakanma Nigeria Limited in partnership with Chinese technical partners, is to be located at Umuelele in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Receiving the investors, led by their team lead, Dr Oko Jaja, at the Government House in Umuahia on Thursday, Otti said he was pleased that the investors had reached the final investment decision for the project.
The governor said his administration remained committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, adding that the state had ensured the required land was made available for the project.
He said, ‘I am glad that at least you have reached the final investment decision where you are investing up to $145 million. This is what we stand for – creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and for people to invest.
‘We have 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’.
Otti said the state attaches importance to investments because of their potential to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
He said, ‘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 easier for them. So I want to encourage you to continue to do what you are doing, and if there is any way we can support, feel free to let us know’.
Earlier, Jaja said the delegation visited the governor to brief him on the progress made towards establishing the solar manufacturing plant.
He said the project, being executed in collaboration with the company’s Chinese technical partners, would attract an investment of about $145 million and commended the state government for providing a conducive environment for investors.
Jaja also disclosed that the first tranche of funding for the project would be released in September 2026.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of MD Nwakanma Nigeria Limited, Mr Dennis Nwakanma, said the company would establish the solar manufacturing plant through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement with the Abia State Government.
He explained that the visit by the Chinese technical partners to the proposed site formed part of the preliminary assessment ahead of the commencement of the project.
Nwakanma expressed optimism that the factory would begin operations by the end of September, describing the project as a significant milestone in advancing renewable energy production and industrial development in the state.
He added that, beyond producing solar panels and other solar accessories, the project would create employment opportunities for youths through skills acquisition and capacity development.
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Otti Welcomes Planned $145m Solar Manufacturing Plant in Abia
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has welcomed plans to establish a $145 million solar manufacturing plant in the state, describing the investment as a major boost to industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.
The project, to be developed by MD Nwakanma Nigeria Limited in partnership with Chinese technical partners, will be located at Umuelele in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Receiving the investors, led by team leader Dr Oko Jaja, at the Government House in Umuahia on Thursday, Otti said he was encouraged that the project had reached the final investment decision stage.
“I am glad that you have reached the final investment decision where you are investing up to $145 million. This is what we stand for – creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and for people to invest,” the governor said.
He said the state government had provided the required land for the project and assured the investors of continued support.
“If there is anything else you need for this investment, do not hesitate to let us know,” he added.
Otti said the state valued investments not only for their financial impact but also for their potential to create jobs, increase economic output and improve living standards.
Earlier, Jaja said the delegation had visited the governor to update him on progress towards establishing the solar manufacturing plant.
He said the project, being implemented with Chinese technical partners, would attract about $145 million in investment and commended the state government for creating a conducive business environment.
Jaja also disclosed that the first tranche of funding for the project is expected to be released in September 2026.
The Chief Executive Officer of MD Nwakanma Nigeria Limited, Dennis Nwakanma, said the factory would be developed through a public-private partnership with the Abia State Government.
He said the visit by the Chinese technical partners formed part of preliminary assessments ahead of construction and expressed optimism that the facility would begin operations by the end of September.
According to Nwakanma, the plant will manufacture solar panels and related equipment while creating employment opportunities and providing skills development for young people in the state.
