Manufacturers in Anambra State have decried the high cost of diesel, fuel, and other sources of power for their day-to-day production activities.

Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi Zone of the Southeast, Nigeria, Ada Chukwudozie, made this known on Friday at an event in Anambra.

Chukwudozie stressed the challenges of the cost and reliability of energy, which, according to her, remained one of the most critical determinants of industrial competitiveness.

As a solution, she posited that transitioning from diesel dependence to gas-based energy was not just a technical shift but a strategic pathway toward sustainable industrial growth.

She expressed confidence that the state would benefit from the transition in view of its vibrant industrial clusters in Nnewi, Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, and surrounding areas.

She said, “For many manufacturers, the cost and reliability of power directly determine whether factories expand, stagnate, or shut down.

“Unlocking the full benefits of gas-driven industrialization will require deliberate collaboration between energy providers such as Shell Energy, government, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

“Initiatives such as this demonstrate how responsible energy providers can play a catalytic role in supporting industrial development and energy transition in our economy.

“Reliable gas infrastructure, transparent pricing structures, and supportive policy incentives will be essential to encourage manufacturers. particularly SMEs, to embrace this transition.

“From the perspective of manufacturers, the opportunity is very clear: reliable and affordable gas can reduce production costs, stabilize industrial energy supply, and strengthen 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 the wider West African region.”