In a significant stride towards economic advancement, Mr. Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, unveiled plans for the commencement of operations at the modular refinery located within the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) by the year 2025.
This groundbreaking announcement was made during a press conference on Tuesday, following the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Umuahia.
The modular refinery, slated to be the flagship project at AIIP, is poised to be fully operational by 2025, according to Mr. Kanu. He underscored the substantial impact it would have on employment, with projections indicating the creation of 2,000 direct jobs and numerous indirect opportunities, particularly for the youth in Abia.
During the conference, Mr. Kanu emphasized the project’s pivotal role in meeting the refined product needs of the people of Abia while simultaneously bolstering the state’s revenue base. He stated, “The project will help to provide refined products for the people of Abia as well as increase our revenue base as a state.”
Highlighting the keen interest from investors, especially in the petroleum sector, Mr. Kanu expressed the government’s commitment to optimizing the state’s petroleum and mineral endowments. He assured that every necessary effort was being made to meet the operational deadline and capitalize on the economic prospects the project presented.
Professor Joel Ogbonna, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, echoed Mr. Kanu’s sentiments, stressing the government’s dedication to transforming the state through the creation of AIIP. He elaborated on proactive measures taken to explore the entire petroleum value chain, anticipating substantial job creation and a transformative impact on the state.
Moreover, Professor Ogbonna shed light on Abia’s rich deposits of more than 17 solid minerals. He underscored ongoing efforts to harness these resources strategically, further contributing to the state’s economic growth and development. As the AIIP modular refinery project gains momentum, Abia positions itself as a hub for industrial innovation and sustainable economic progress.
