The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Abia State Government for its efforts to improve the operating environment for businesses and revive industrial activities across the state.
The association gave the commendation on Friday, October 2, 2026, when its leadership from the Abia/Imo and Rivers/Bayelsa chapters visited Governor Alex Otti at his office.
Chairman of the MAN Abia/Imo Chapter, Prince Obasi Ekeagbara, said recent interventions by the Otti administration in infrastructure, power, transportation, healthcare, education and urban renewal were beginning to positively impact businesses and manufacturers.
Ekeagbara particularly cited the administration’s efforts to revive moribund industries, including the Enyimba Garment Factory, Star Paper Mill and Afro Beverages, as well as initiatives aimed at improving electricity supply to industrial operators through Geometric Power.
He also commended the harmonisation of taxes in Abia, saying it would help address the problem of multiple taxation, while describing the N10 billion credit facility being facilitated through the Bank of Industry as a major opportunity for small and medium-scale enterprises.
Despite the progress, the MAN chairman identified high energy costs, limited access to foreign exchange, inflation, funding challenges, insecurity and unauthorised demands from host communities as some of the major issues still affecting manufacturers.
He urged the state government to establish industrial clusters across the three senatorial zones, strengthen enforcement against illegal levies and continue supporting distressed industries to return to full production.
The Chairman of the MAN Rivers/Bayelsa Chapter also praised the governor for his support for manufacturers and ailing industries, particularly his contribution to the development and take-off of Geometric Power.
He stressed that reliable electricity remains critical to the survival and expansion of manufacturing businesses and urged the administration to sustain its interventions in the sector.
In his response, Governor Otti said his administration was deliberately repositioning Abia’s economy from one driven largely by consumption and trading to one centred on production and manufacturing.
According to him, investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and other sectors are designed to create the conditions necessary for businesses to expand and increase production.
Otti said his administration was also exploring alternative sources of electricity to guarantee more reliable power for industries, while encouraging manufacturers to utilise the N10 billion Bank of Industry facility available to support businesses.
The governor further urged manufacturers to focus on quality, proper packaging and competitiveness, stressing that local businesses must produce goods capable of competing in both domestic and international markets.
He also cited the Export Growth Lab initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as part of the state’s efforts to help local producers improve their products and access wider markets.
Otti assured manufacturers that the government would continue to engage with the private sector and address challenges affecting industrial activities.
He also warned against making cash payments to unauthorised individuals, reiterating that the government does not operate a policy of multiple taxation.
The governor said collaboration between government and the private sector remained essential to building an economy capable of creating jobs, supporting businesses and sustaining long-term growth.
