Manufacturers Association of Nigeria praises Anambra's switch from diesel to gas as a major boost to industry

Lady Adaora Chukwudozie, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, South-East Region, views the shift from diesel to gas-based energy as a strategic move towards achieving sustainable industrial growth, rather than merely a technical change.

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This assertion was made by Chukwudozie in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Thursday, during an Energy Stakeholder Forum co-hosted by the Anambra State Government and Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, themed 'Bridging the energy gap for manufacturers.'

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Chukwudozie expressed confidence that Anambra State would reap benefits from this transition, given its vibrant industrial clusters in Nnewi, Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, and surrounding areas.

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She praised Anambra State for its long history of entrepreneurial spirit and manufacturing resilience, but lamented the challenges posed by the cost and reliability of energy, which she described as critical determinants of industrial competitiveness.

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According to Chukwudozie, the cost and reliability of power directly impact whether factories expand, stagnate, or shut down, and unlocking the benefits of gas-driven industrialisation requires collaboration between energy providers, government, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

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She emphasized that initiatives like the Energy Stakeholder Forum demonstrate how responsible energy providers can support industrial development and energy transition in the economy.

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Chukwudozie stressed that reliable gas infrastructure, transparent pricing structures, and supportive policy incentives are essential to encourage manufacturers, particularly SMEs, to adopt this transition.

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From a manufacturer's perspective, Chukwudozie noted that reliable and affordable gas can reduce production costs, stabilize industrial energy supply, and enhance the competitiveness of locally manufactured products.

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She suggested that properly structured gas infrastructure within industrial clusters can transform Anambra into a leading model for sustainable industrial energy in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

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Chukwudozie commended development partners, including Shell Energy, for driving the conversation on gas-driven industrialisation and reaffirmed MAN's continued partnership with stakeholders in building an energy framework to support resilient manufacturing and inclusive economic growth.

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She praised Shell Energy and the Government of Anambra State for initiating the important dialogue, stating that conversations like this are necessary to translate policy aspirations into practical industrial solutions.

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Chukwudozie emphasized that reliable and affordable energy can unlock the full potential of Anambra's manufacturing clusters and accelerate sustainable industrial growth.

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Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Julius Chukwuemeka, reassured the gathering of the state government's commitment to delivering reliable, affordable, and clean power to the people of the state.

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He stated that the forum aimed to harness the state's abundant gas reserves to benefit its people, including boosting industrialisation, and noted that piped natural gas has advantages such as price reduction and reliability, even in the midst of national grid collapse.

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Chukwuemeka mentioned that the state has abundant gas reserves around the Omambala region and Ogbaru axis, and that the state is working to harness these natural resources for the benefit of its people.

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The Commissioner noted that the state has mapped out over 5,000 hectares of land for the Anambra industrial city, but emphasized that the city cannot function with epileptic power, making the current engagement critical to boosting industrialisation.

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Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government, presented on 'Industrialisation in Anambra: Realities, Challenges and Opportunities', stating that the state has the ingredients of industrialisation, including an entrepreneurial spirit and industrial clusters.

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Chukwulobelu identified energy constraints, infrastructure gaps, poor road networks, limited access to long-term finance, and regulatory bottlenecks as challenges facing industrialisation in the state.

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Raph Gbobo, General Manager of Shell Nigeria Gas, pledged the company's commitment to co-creating workable solutions with the state, including displacing diesel through the deployment of a bridge solution via virtual gas.

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Other government functionaries in attendance included the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake; Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu; and Commissioner for Petroleum, Anthony Ifeanya, among other dignitaries.