Gov Diri of Bayelsa State woos MAN with 24-hour power supply

…As MAN president urges Niger Delta states to pursue aggressive manufacturing, blue economy

Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has wooed manufacturers to the state with 24-hour power supply at the 41st Annual General Meeting/Exhibition of the Bayelsa/Rivers Branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria on Thursday in Yenagoa.

At the AGM with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta,’ Diri said Bayelsa State would soon become a hub for industrial growth once its 60-megawatt independent power plant becomes functional by December 2025.

He said the state government would work with the association and other partners to unlock opportunities across the blue economy, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Diri described the state as a land of immense potential and promise, saying his administration is creating enabling environment for manufacturing to stimulate the local economy by providing 24-hour electricity while also embarking on massive infrastructure projects.

He said the state is safe for investment as his administration has invested heavily on security, leveraging technology, which made it possible for the state to be monitored through Close Circuit Television cameras from a central position.

The governor commended MAN’s Made-in- Nigeria and Nigeria First policy thrust, saying it aligned with his administration’s ASSURED Prosperity agenda.

His words: “Bayelsa is poised to become a hub for industrial growth, and we are eager to work with you to unlock opportunities across the blue economy, agriculture and manufacturing.

“For many years, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has borne the aspirations of our nation’s manufacturing sector, often under exceptionally testing circumstances. We acknowledge and celebrate your sacrifice, tenacity and ingenuity, which have sustained enterprise, jobs and livelihoods.

“Through strategic partnerships with key players such as the Dubai-based Jampur Group and the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation as well as indigenous industry leaders, which include the Dangote Group and Innoson Motors, Bayelsa’s reputation as a secure and attractive investment hub continues to grow.

“We have embarked on an infrastructure revolution that is redefining our landscape. Iconic projects such as the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge road, the Nembe–Brass road and the Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie road — crowned by the 630-metre bridge across the River Nun — are opening new corridors for trade, commerce and tourism all the way to the Atlantic.”

Delivering a keynote address, Ifeanyi Okoye commended the governor for establishing technical and vocational colleges across all local government areas in the state.

Okoye described power as critical to manufacturing and hailed the state government’s investment in the independent power project, urging Diri to remain focused in taking the right steps to encourage manufacturing in the state.

In his address, Francis Meshioye, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, called on governors of the Niger Delta region to support manufacturing in order to promote economic growth and peace.

Meshioye said the Niger Delta region with its resources and strategic location held immense potential for industrial growth and that manufacturers are pivotal in harnessing the potential, driving economic diversification and creating opportunities.

He named four key focus areas are development of infrastructure, policy frameworks, skills development and sustainability that must be tackled to boost manufacturing in the region.

Meshioye recommended that manufacturers in Bayelsa and Rivers states should take deliberate steps to develop and harness blue economy by investing in maritime infrastructure, promoting coastal industries, and embark on fishing and aquaculture development.

He also called for tourism development, capacity building, regional collaboration and sustainable management of resources in the region.

Meshioye said high cost of electricity supply and security concerns, multiple taxation and levies, inadequate infrastructure, water supply, and storage facilities in addition to high taxation make local products more expensive.

He said: “These challenges underscore the need for collaborative efforts to address infrastructure gaps, high energy costs, and security concerns affecting MAN members in the region.”

In his welcome address, Vincent Okuku, the branch chairman of MAN, said the theme speaks directly to their collective aspirations for industrial transformation and regional competitiveness.

He said the conference and exhibition provide a unique platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships aimed at repositioning the manufacturing sector in the Niger Delta as a driver of inclusive growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

Over the years, he said, the principal officers of this Branch have worked tirelessly to ensure that the voice of manufacturers in Bayelsa and Rivers States is not only heard but effectively represented and protected. “We have engaged with state governments, regulatory agencies, and host communities to address critical issues affecting industrial operations in the region. Today’s event continues that advocacy — bridging the gap between policy intent and industrial reality.”

He commended governors of both Bayelsa and Rivers states what he called bold steps they have taken to improve the ease of doing business.

“In Bayelsa, we have witnessed remarkable progress in infrastructure development, security enhancement, and investment promotion. I commend His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, for his recent efforts to resolve the issue of power supply in the State through the procurement of a 60-megawatt gas turbine, which, upon completion, will ensure 24-hour power supply, create jobs, and drive economic growth.”

Okuku also commended Diri’s pursuit of transformative projects such as the nine-storey State Secretariat Complex, the 25,000-capacity stadium, and the ongoing improvements in education — all of which enhance the State’s attractiveness to investors.

“In Rivers State, we appreciate the government’s efforts to rehabilitate industrial clusters, improve access roads, and deliver critical infrastructure projects such as the 50.15km Port Harcourt dual carriage ring road, the Trans-Kalabari ring road, and the rehabilitation of the Eleme-Onne Road leading to Indorama Petrochemical Plant, the Port Harcourt Refinery, and the Onne Port — all vital to the operations of manufacturers. We also commend efforts to streamline business registration and taxation processes. These initiatives are restoring investor confidence and fostering local industrial growth.”

Challenges:

He said significant challenges still persist. “Manufacturers in both Rivers and Bayelsa States continue to face high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, poor transport infrastructure that raises logistics and distribution costs, multiple taxes and levies from state and local agencies, inconsistent regulatory policies, and pressures from host communities that disrupt production and affect profitability.”

He said these issues continue to weigh heavily on the competitiveness of local manufacturers and constrain the region’s industrial growth potential.

“To address these challenges, we call for strengthened public–private dialogue to harmonize policies and resolve business bottlenecks swiftly; improved power infrastructure through public–private partnerships; and the elimination of multiple taxation to promote business sustainability. We also advocate continued investments in roads, ports, and logistics infrastructure to lower operational costs, and the establishment of structured frameworks for corporate–community dialogue to foster mutual understanding and reduce disruptions.

“Furthermore, we strongly recommend that both State Governments take deliberate steps to develop and harness the blue economy — leveraging their vast maritime resources, coastal industries, and inland waterways to drive industrialization, create jobs, expand trade opportunities, and enhance regional competitiveness.

“By investing in maritime infrastructure, logistics hubs, and marine-based industries, Bayelsa and Rivers States can position themselves as strategic gateways for sustainable economic growth and industrial diversification in the Niger Delta.

Your Excellency, in the spirit of this strong partnership, we humbly appeal for your kind support towards helping the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria establish a permanent office in Yenagoa to enable us to serve our members in Bayelsa State more effectively. We also seek your assistance in providing a vehicle to aid mobility and outreach within the state, as this will greatly enhance our ability to engage manufacturers across all local government areas, strengthen collaboration with government agencies, and promote industrial growth in Bayelsa State.”

He said the day’s gathering offered them a unique opportunity to reflect, dialogue, and chart new pathways for industrial transformation in the Niger Delta. “I am confident that the deliberations over these two days will yield actionable recommendations that will strengthen the manufacturing sector and promote shared prosperity across our two states.”