FG approves Abia refinery

The Federal Government has approved the construction of a modular refinery in Abia State. Governor Dr. Alex Otti announced that H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited will be responsible for building the refinery.
Otti made the announcement during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the 11.1-kilometer Obehie-Umudibia-Owaza road. He confirmed that the refinery will be located at the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP) in Owaza, within the Ukwa West local government area of the state.
During the event at St. Ann Secondary School in Obehie Asa, Otti stated that the completed road project will significantly enhance the marketability and viability of the AIIP. He also emphasized that the area’s development would be greatly transformed once the road is finished.
“This project is therefore not just about creating access to the towns and villages along these corridor, it is more about reviving dormant economic assets, opening new horizons and reigniting the dreams that once starred the souls of our fathers.
“I’ll like to inform you that just a few days ago, we got the good news that the Federal Government has approved a modular refinery which would be cited inside the AIIP.
“That modular refinery will be built by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited.
“My assurance is that every support we can give as a Government shall be availed you as we work together to create a robust industrial cluster that will accelerate the rapid socio-economic development of the area and fast track the restoration of the years that has been lost to poor leadership,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Alex Otti, who declared that the era of neglecting Ukwa people is over, said that Ukwa would no longer be a forgotten place.
“Today, we officially declare that the era of neglect of Ukwa and all the communities within the land is over.
“Ukwa shall no longer be a forgotten place. Your land will yield forth it’s best fruits and your barns shall never be empty again.
“You will enjoy the riches of the environment and the oil in your land shall bring you boundless prosperity.
“You will not only get what is due you at the resource allocation table, the various levers of our administration shall collaborate extensively with agencies like the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other interventionist establishments to restore the years that has been lost to the politics of exclusion and deceit. Gov. Otti stated.
In response to requests from local leaders, Governor Otti assured that the reconstruction of the Umuzike – Obokwe – Ngwaiyiekwe road would soon begin, as it has been approved in the 2025 budget. He also pledged to restore electricity to Asa land by the end of the month and instructed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, to visit the area and assess the necessary steps for the restoration.
Addressing the need for potable water, Governor Otti emphasized that a state of emergency had already been declared in the water sector, assuring that the water challenges faced by many communities would soon be resolved. He thanked stakeholders from various political parties for supporting his vision for the state and urged the people to collaborate with contractors working on the projects.
Hon. Godwin Adiele, the Member representing Ukwa-West State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, along with Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, and Mayor of Ukwa-West LGA, Pastor Dike Nwankwo, expressed the gratitude of the Asa people to the Governor.
Earlier, Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, noted that Governor Otti has continued to improve road infrastructure, connecting communities. He described the road project as a crucial gateway to Asa and the Abia Industrial Innovation Park. With a 12-month delivery timeline, the project will open up the area to greater economic opportunities, create jobs, and increase financial activity in the region.
The General Manager of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Venerable Joshua Onyeike, thanked the Governor for providing the commission with a supportive environment to fulfill its mandate in oil-producing areas. He highlighted the Governor’s ongoing commitment to Ukwa and assured him of the continued support of the people.
In their goodwill messages, former legislator Dame Victoria Akanwa and former SSG Pastor Ralph Egbu praised Governor Otti for his impressive achievements across the state, particularly in improving the roads in Ukwa. They also appealed for the restoration of electricity and provision of clean water in the region.
In his address, Elder Goodluck Nwauju, President General of the Asa Development Union, commended the Governor for his efforts through road projects, the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, and the recovery of over 10,000 hectares of land previously seized for the non-existent Enyimba Economic City project. He praised the Governor’s dedication to the welfare of Ndi-Asa.