The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for his industrial policies and the ongoing transformation across the State.
The commendation was given on Friday, October 2, 2026, when the leadership of the Association, led by the Chairmen of the Abia/Imo and Rivers/Bayelsa Chapters, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor in his office.
Speaking, the Chairman, MAN, Abia/Imo Chapter, Prince Obasi Ekeagbara, described Governor Otti’s interventions as significant improvements in the business environment and infrastructure.
Prince Ekeagbara said members were witnessing improvements across roads, education, power, transportation, urban renewal, and healthcare.
He praised Governor Otti for reviving moribund industries such as Enyimba Garment Factory, Star Paper Mill and Afro Beverages, noting that an enabling environment is being created for manufacturers, including dedicated power lines via Geometric Power.
He also hailed the Aba Trade Fair as an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their products.
The MAN Chairman commended the Otti administration for harmonising taxes in the State, describing the move as helpful in curbing multiple taxation, and for facilitating a N10 billion credit line for Small and Medium Enterprises through the Bank of Industry.
He, however, identified major challenges confronting manufacturers to include high energy costs, limited access to foreign exchange, rising inflation, funding constraints, insecurity, and multiple demands from host communities, including unauthorised demand notices.
He urged the Government to sustain efforts at reviving more moribund industries and ensuring MAN’s participation where necessary, establish industrial clusters across the three senatorial zones, strengthen measures against unauthorised levies, and continue supporting distressed industries to return to full production.
Prince Ekeagbara pledged the Association’s continued support for initiatives that improve the manufacturing environment in Abia.
Also speaking, the Chairman, MAN, Rivers/Bayelsa Chapter, Elder Vincent Okuku, lauded Governor Otti for his commitment to supporting manufacturers and ailing industries, and urged him to sustain the tempo.
He noted Governor Otti’s contributions to the establishment and take-off of Geometric Power, emphasising the importance of electricity to manufacturing, and invited the Governor to the Association’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for later in the year.
Contributing, the Chief Executive Officer of Libracin Natural Medicine Industry Limited and member of MAN, Dr. Anyatonwu Azubuike, said members were committed to supporting Governor Otti’s re-election bid.
“We are very happy with the way he (Gov. Otti) has been supporting industries to develop, making it easier for manufacturers in Abia and Imo to have a smooth run in manufacturing.
“We are here to support the Governor and also assure him that his second tenure is sure. The Governor must be there because he has made industry very easy for us, the manufacturers, to manufacture goods and export to various countries,” Dr. Azubuike said.
Responding, Governor Otti welcomed the Association and stressed that his administration’s investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and other sectors were aimed at creating an enabling environment for increased production and industrialisation.
The Governor said government was deliberately shifting attention from consumption and trading to production and manufacturing, noting that manufacturing remains critical to sustainable economic growth.
“We want to encourage production. While technology could transform the processes of doing business, what you cannot replace is manufacturing. You can replace the process, you can replace the mode, but you must have manufacturing,” Governor Otti said.
Governor Otti assured manufacturers of the administration’s commitment to addressing challenges affecting industrial activities, particularly electricity and access to capital.
He explained that government was exploring alternative sources of power to ensure sustained electricity supply to industries, while drawing attention to the N10 billion Bank of Industry facility available to support manufacturers.
The State Chief Executive urged manufacturers to take advantage of the facility and other government interventions.
“If there is anything this government can do to help you, don’t hesitate to ask,” Governor Otti assured, emphasising that the government has no policy of multiple taxation and warning manufacturers against making cash payments to unauthorised persons.
The Governor further challenged manufacturers to improve quality, packaging and competitiveness of locally produced goods, stressing that Abia and Nigeria have a large market capable of supporting thriving businesses.
Gov. Otti cited the administration’s Export Growth Lab initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as part of efforts to help local producers improve their products and compete effectively in domestic and international markets.
“Whatever you are doing, do it well. Let it compete. Don’t do fake. Put your name on it,” he said, urging all stakeholders to work together to build an economy that creates jobs, supports businesses and lays a stronger foundation for future generations.
The Governor was joined in the meeting by the Commissioners for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, SAs on Trade, Chief Nwaka Inem, Energy, Engr. Kachy Etolue, Lands, Pastor Okorougo Aji, and the Director-General/CEO of the Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion Office, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, among other appointees of this Government.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
October 2, 2026.
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