The Abia State Government has announced that full-scale construction of its long-anticipated 10,000-barrel-per-day modular refinery will begin in the second quarter of 2025.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made the disclosure during a media briefing on Monday following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. He revealed that all land compensation payments to affected owners have been completed, with bush clearing and preliminary site work already underway at the Abia Industrial Park (AIP) project site.
“This progress follows the approval granted to HSI to operate the 10,000 barrels per day modular refinery at the AIP site,” Kanu stated.
The commissioner also confirmed that the state has entered into partnerships with the NNPC Port Harcourt refinery and NNPC Retail Management to ensure steady allocations of petroleum products once operations commence.
Solid Minerals Mapping and Climate Commitments
In another strategic move, the state has commissioned a comprehensive survey of its solid mineral resources to assess the commercial viability of deposits such as limestone, kaolin, lignite, granite, lead, and zinc. The results, according to Kanu, will guide future investment decisions and attract credible investors to the mining sector.
Meanwhile, Abia will take part in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change scheduled to hold in Bonn, Germany, from June 16 to 26, 2025. Kanu said the state’s participation reflects its growing commitment to climate change adaptation and green energy initiatives.
Boosting Food Security with Wet Season Rice Farming
The Ministry of Agriculture is set to launch its wet season rice farming programme under the In-Growers scheme. The initiative targets the cultivation of 8,500 hectares across Abia North, starting with verified cooperatives at Ndi-Okereke, Abam, and Owerrinta.
Kanu said, “Over 400 verified rice farmers are already farming on 500 hectares at Ndi-Okereke, while an additional 150 hectares are under cultivation at Owerrinta.”
The scheme will later expand to other communities such as Bende, Mkpa, Ofeme, Ozuitem, and Ndi-Oji Abam, bolstering the state’s food security agenda.
Investment Drive in Recovered Plantations
To attract more serious investors, the government has extended the deadline for expressions of interest in the state’s recovered agricultural plantations to May 15, 2025. Kanu emphasized that the move is aimed at ensuring robust evaluation and securing credible investors to manage these vital assets.
Road Infrastructure and Vehicle Registration Updates
Kanu also highlighted ongoing roadwork, reporting that rehabilitation and reconstruction are active at 36 sites across the state. While one project has been completed, 31 others are progressing with contractors fully mobilized.
In a related development, the government has shifted the commencement date for enforcement of the registration of all commercial vehicles from May to June 1, 2025, providing more time for compliance.
“The extension gives vehicle owners the necessary latitude to get their registrations completed before full enforcement begins,” Kanu explained.
