Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced a $145 million investment commitment to establish a solar panel manufacturing plant in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. The project, which has reached the Final Investment Decision (FID) stage, is being developed in partnership with Chinese investors and local firm MD NWAKANMA NIGERIA Limited. The first tranche of funding is expected in September 2026, with construction scheduled to commence shortly thereafter. The initiative aims to boost the state’s industrial sector, create jobs, and provide technical training, further strengthening Abia’s position as a hub for renewable energy and power infrastructure in Nigeria.