Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has welcomed investors proposing to establish a $145 million solar manufacturing plant in Umuelele, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the State.
Receiving the investors, led by their Team Lead, Dr. Oko Jaja, in his office on Thursday, Governor Otti expressed delight that the project had reached the Final Investment decision stage, with the investors committing up to $145 million to the project.
The Governor described the investment as a strong vote of confidence in Abia State’s improving business environment and economic prospects. He noted that his administration remains committed to creating and sustaining an enabling environment where businesses can thrive and investors can operate profitably.
Governor Otti said that he was particularly pleased that the investors found Abia suitable for such a huge project, emphasizing that attracting investments of this scale aligns with his administration’s vision of transforming the State into a preferred destination for local and international investors.
“I’m glad that at least you have reached the final investment decision where you are investigating 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,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, who noted the importance of such an investment, said his government does not take investors lightly. He added that 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,” Gov. Otti stated.
Speaking earlier, the Team Lead and representative of the investors, Dr. Oko Jaja, said that they came to the Governor’s Office to brief Governor Otti on the significant progress made towards the establishment of the proposed solar manufacturing plant in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
He disclosed that the investors, in partnership with their Chinese counterparts, are committing about $145 million to the project, which will be sited in Isiala Ngwa South.
Dr. Jaja commended Governor Otti for creating an enabling environment that continues to attract local and foreign investments to Abia State. According to him, the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, ease of doing business, and investment protection has given investors the confidence to proceed with the project.
He further revealed that the first tranche of funding for the solar manufacturing plant is expected to be released by September 2026, marking the commencement of the next phase of the project execution.
Contributing, the Chief Executive Officer of MD NWAKANMA NIGERIA Limited, Mr. Dennis Madu Nwakamma, disclosed that the company is set to establish a solar manufacturing plant at Umuelele in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with the Abia State Government.
He explained that the visit of the company’s Chinese technical partners to the proposed site was part of the preliminary assessment aimed at facilitating the commencement of the project.
According to him, the construction of the factory is expected to take off by the end of September, marking a significant step towards boosting renewable energy production and industrial development in the State.
Mr. Nwakamma stated that beyond the production of solar panels and other solar accessories, the project is designed to create employment opportunities for Abia youths through skills acquisition and capacity development.
He noted that the company is already training young people in solar installation and related technologies, adding that upon the commencement of operations, selected workers would be sent to China for advanced training in solar manufacturing. He emphasized that the initiative would not only enhance local technical expertise but also position Abia State as a major hub for renewable energy manufacturing in Nigeria.
The commissioners for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, Commissioner for lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije and the Director General , Public-Private Partnership among others were present during the meeting.
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