Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has committed to providing comprehensive support to the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) for the establishment of an oil refinery in the state. This commitment was made during a recent meeting with a PETAN delegation led by its Chairman, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, who visited to assess the feasibility of setting up the refinery.
Governor Otti expressed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with PETAN, potentially forming a joint venture to actualize this significant project. He emphasized that Abia State possesses numerous untapped resources beyond its current oil and gas activities concentrated in the Ukwa West council area.
“We have some assets that have been identified beyond Ukwa West. Oil activities today in Abia are centered around Ukwa West, and I have it on good authority that other areas of the state have reserves that could be harnessed. By the time we have serious players, you can begin to explore some of these places around Umunneochi and other areas,” Otti stated.
Governor Otti assured PETAN of the state’s willingness to work closely with them, stressing the importance of a proactive partnership. “We take our partnership very seriously and I want to thank you for identifying us as one of the first states. If there is any support you need, do not hesitate to reach out to us. I would like to give you a timeline so that we won’t just be talking. I would like to be briefed every fortnight on how you are doing,” he added.
The Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna, also highlighted the vast potential of the project, stating that it could elevate Abia State to a leading position in the global oil industry. He noted that there are approximately 100 capped oil wells in the state that have yet to be tapped. “If realized, Abia will be among the top oil players in the world,” Professor Ogbonna remarked.
This proposed refinery is expected to significantly boost the state’s economy and open up new avenues for industrial development. The collaboration between the Abia State government and PETAN marks a strategic effort to harness the state’s untapped resources and transform it into a major oil-producing region.
