The modular refinery being constructed in the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP), Owaza, in Ukwa West LGA, is expected to start operation in 2025, according to the Abia State Government.

Commissioner for Information and Culture Okey Kanu, who made this announcement in Umuahia, stated that the initiative is significant to the administration led by Alex Otti, and every effort is being made to guarantee that the deadline will be reached.

“In 2025, the modular refinery project at Abia Industrial Innovation Park is scheduled to begin operations. It is going to be the industrial park’s first large-scale project. Naturally, when that refinery starts producing, it will give the hordes of young people more than two thousand work.”

“These are hands-on positions. It would also number in the thousands when discussing indirect jobs. It would broaden the state’s revenue base and assist in supplying refined goods for Abians.”

Kanu said, adding that the state government was working to capitalize on the enormous prospects given by the petroleum and natural resources endowment in the region, and “in this regard, a lot of investors are jostling to come and invest in Abia States.”

Professor Joel Ogbonna, the Commissioner for Petroleum, stated that the government was eager to construct the industrial innovation park to bring about change.

“We have acquired over 2000 hectares in Owaza. The fact that Abia State has gas and oil reserves was unknown to many of us before recently. Naturally, we are making use of the natural endowment, which we have not before utilized, and the modular refinery offers a tremendous possibility for the development of jobs and income.”

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Regarding the alleged extortion of drivers and other touting activities in Aba and its surroundings, Governor Otti has issued a directive, according to Special Advisor to the Governor on Media and Publicity Ferdinand Ekeoma, telling the Special Adviser on Security to capture the thugs engaging in extortion in any form in Aba.

“After the Governor took office, he issued an order to cease collecting any unlawful levies, taxes, or other charges. However, in recent days, there have been allegations of extortion under the guise of a loading fee.”

He continued, “It’s important to bring to your attention that the governor has ordered that those involved be placed under arrest.”