The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has praised Governor Alex Otti for revitalizing moribund industries in Abia State, a move expected to boost the economy and create jobs. During a courtesy visit to Governor Otti, MAN's Abia/Imo chapter chairman, Prince Obasi Ekeagbara, commended the governor's industrial policies and ongoing transformations across the state. Ekeagbara highlighted improvements in infrastructure, education, power, transportation, urban renewal, and healthcare.
Some of the moribund industries revived include the Enyimba Garment Factory, Star Paper Mill, and Afro Beverages. MAN members have welcomed the enabling environment created in Abia, including dedicated power lines via Geometric Power. The association also hailed the Aba Trade Fair, which provides an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their products. Furthermore, Ekeagbara appreciated the Otti administration for harmonizing taxes in the state, curbing multiple taxation, and facilitating a N10 billion credit line for Small and Medium Enterprises through the Bank of Industry.
Despite the progress, Obasi identified major challenges confronting manufacturers in Nigeria, including high energy costs, limited access to foreign exchange, rising inflation, funding constraints, insecurity, and multiple demands from host communities. He urged the government to sustain efforts to revive more moribund industries, establish industrial clusters across the three senatorial zones, and strengthen measures against unauthorized levies.
Dr. Anyatonwu Azubuike, CEO of Libracin Natural Medicine Industry Limited and a MAN member, assured Governor Otti of the association's commitment to supporting his reelection in 2027. Azubuike expressed happiness with the governor's support for industries, making it easier for manufacturers in Abia and Imo to operate smoothly.
Governor Otti explained that his administration has emphasized investments, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other sectors to create an enabling environment for increased production and industrialization. He stated that the state government is shifting attention from consumption and trading to production and manufacturing, assuring that manufacturing will remain critical to sustainable economic growth.
The governor assured manufacturers of the administration's commitment to addressing challenges affecting industrial activities, particularly electricity and access to capital. He mentioned that the government is exploring alternative sources of power and drew attention to the N10 billion Bank of Industry facility available to support manufacturers. Otti encouraged MAN members to take advantage of the facility and other government interventions to increase production.
Otti emphasized that the government has no policy of multiple taxation and warned manufacturers against making cash payments to unauthorized persons. He challenged them to improve the quality, packaging, and competitiveness of locally produced goods, stressing that Abia and Nigeria have a large market capable of supporting thriving businesses.
Key points
- Governor Alex Otti's administration has revived moribund industries in Abia State, including the Enyimba Garment Factory, Star Paper Mill, and Afro Beverages.
- The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has praised Governor Otti for his industrial policies and ongoing transformations across the state.
- The governor has assured manufacturers of his administration's commitment to addressing challenges affecting industrial activities, particularly electricity and access to capital.
