…the Anambra gas power for manufacturers initiative would help deliver dependable electricity.
Awka, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that the Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable, affordable and clean energy supply as part of efforts to strengthen industrial development and support manufacturers across the state.
The assurance was given on Thursday during an Energy Stakeholder Forum jointly organised by the state government and Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, themed “Bridging the Energy Gap for Manufacturers.”
Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, said the engagement was designed to harness the state’s abundant natural gas resources for the benefit of residents and industries.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the state’s broader plan to drive industrialisation through reliable energy infrastructure.
He said the Anambra gas power for manufacturers initiative would help deliver dependable electricity to citizens while supporting economic expansion.
“Anambra government is determined to ensure reliable, affordable and clean sources of power are delivered to the doorsteps of all citizens and to stimulate an industrial revolution,” he said.
Chukwuemeka explained that gas-powered energy provides several advantages, including improved reliability and lower costs, particularly during national grid disruptions.
“Today’s discussion centres on gas power, which is one of the key energy solutions. Pipeline natural gas has many advantages, including price reduction and reliability, even during national grid collapse,” he added.
The commissioner noted that Anambra possesses significant gas reserves around the Omambala region and the Ogbaru axis, which the government intends to harness for the benefit of residents and industries.
He also disclosed that the state government has mapped out over 5,000 hectares of land for the proposed Anambra Industrial City, emphasising that reliable energy would be essential to its success.
“The city cannot function with epileptic power supply. That is why today’s engagement is critical. It is one of several partnerships aimed at boosting industrialisation,” he said.
Speaking on the topic “Industrialisation in Anambra: Realities, Challenges and Opportunities,” Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, said the state already possesses many of the key ingredients for industrial growth.
He cited the region’s entrepreneurial culture, industrial clusters and innovative workforce as major strengths.
However, he identified several challenges confronting industrial development, including energy constraints, infrastructure gaps, poor road networks, limited access to long-term financing and regulatory bottlenecks.
Also speaking, the South-East Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Lady (Dr.) Adaora Chukwudozie, described the transition from diesel-powered energy to gas-based energy as a strategic step toward sustainable industrial growth.
She said energy cost and reliability remain among the most critical determinants of industrial competitiveness.
“For many manufacturers, the cost and reliability of power directly determine whether factories expand, stagnate or shut down,” she said.
Chukwudozie stressed that unlocking the benefits of gas-driven industrialisation would require collaboration between government, energy providers, regulators and industry stakeholders.
She added that reliable gas infrastructure and transparent pricing systems would encourage manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises, to adopt the new energy model.
The MAN chairperson also expressed confidence that Anambra would benefit from the transition due to its vibrant industrial clusters in Nnewi, Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor and surrounding areas.
According to her, affordable gas powered energy could reduce production costs, stabilise electricity supply and enhance the competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
“If properly structured, gas infrastructure within industrial clusters can transform Anambra into a leading model for sustainable industrial energy in Nigeria and across West Africa,” she said.
Earlier, General Manager of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, Raph Gbobo, pledged the company’s commitment to working with the state government to develop practical energy solutions.
He said the company plans to support efforts to reduce diesel dependence through the deployment of virtual gas solutions and the creation of scalable power markets within key industrial clusters in the state.
Other government officials present at the event included Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Industry Christian Udechukwu, and Commissioner for Petroleum Barr. Anthony Ifeanya, among other dignitaries.
