Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has pledged his administration’s support for the establishment of an oil refinery in the state by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).
During a meeting with a PETAN delegation led by its Chairman, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, Otti assured the visitors that the state government would actively engage with PETAN to explore a potential joint venture for the project.
“I would like to inform you that we are willing to work with you. We will see how we can partner. We take our partnership very seriously, and I want to thank you for identifying us as one of the first states,” Otti stated.
The governor highlighted that Abia has numerous untapped assets beyond the currently active Ukwa West region, suggesting other areas in the state have yet to be explored for their oil reserves.
“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. With serious players, you can begin to explore places like Umunneochi and a few other areas,” Otti added.
Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna, expressed optimism about the project, noting that there are approximately 100 capped oil wells in the state awaiting development. He suggested that if these resources are tapped, Abia could become a significant player in the global oil industry.
Earlier, PETAN Chairman Wole Ogunsanya explained that their visit aimed to explore how best to support Abia State in realizing its full potential in the oil sector.
“We have engaged in discussions with the government on having a refinery in the state which would serve the state and neighboring states.
“This is the first state where we would be executing this programme/project.
“We have a programme that the association desires to use in supporting the state using the resources that the state has on ground.
“We own the equipment that would find the oil and bring it out of the ground. This would make the work easy for us.”
