Abia attracts $145m solar manufacturing investment as clean energy drive expands

By Editor

Abia State has secured a $145 million investment commitment to establish a solar panel manufacturing plant in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, marking another milestone in the state’s drive to become a hub for renewable energy and industrial development.

Governor Alex Otti disclosed this after receiving a delegation of investors led by Oko Jaja at the Government House in Umuahia, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.

Speaking during the meeting on July 16, Otti said the project had reached the Final Investment Decision (FID) stage, with investors committing up to $145 million to develop the manufacturing facility.

The governor welcomed the investment, describing it as a significant vote of confidence in Abia’s investment climate and economic reforms.

“I’m glad that you have reached the final investment decision where you are investing up to $145 million,” Otti said.

He assured the investors of the state’s continued support, noting that the government had already provided the land required for the project and would facilitate any additional requirements needed to ensure its successful implementation.

“We had to do everything that was required to make the land available. If there is anything else you need for this investment, do not hesitate to let us know,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the investors, Dr. Oko Jaja said the project, which is being developed in partnership with Chinese investors, has made substantial progress.

He disclosed that the first tranche of funding is expected to be released by September 2026, clearing the way for construction to begin.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of MD NWAKANMA NIGERIA Limited, Dennis Madu Nwakamma, said construction of the plant is expected to commence before the end of September under a public-private partnership with the Abia State Government.

According to him, the facility will manufacture solar panels and other renewable energy products while creating employment opportunities and providing technical training for young people in the state.

The proposed investment strengthens Abia’s growing position in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. The state is one of the few with a regulated electricity market and hosts Geometric Power, whose integrated power system supplies electricity to Aba and neighbouring communities.

The project also builds on recent investments in the state’s power infrastructure.

Earlier this year, Governor Otti commissioned an upgraded 5MVA power station at Abia State University, doubling its capacity from 2.5MVA to improve electricity supply within the institution.

In February 2024, he also inaugurated the 188MW Geometric Power Plant, a landmark project designed to expand electricity generation and improve power supply across the state.

The proposed solar manufacturing facility is the latest in a series of investment projects aimed at attracting private capital into Abia’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

In March, the governor commissioned a $35 million industrial facility in Aba, part of a planned $100 million investment expected to strengthen the city’s manufacturing base.

The state has also completed the acquisition of Afro Beverages from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) after paying ₦500 million to facilitate the revival of the company.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have urged the state government to resolve administrative bottlenecks delaying the commencement of the $263.8 million Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development (ABSIID) project, which is expected to improve infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.