- Alex Otti plans to revive the oil region with the Federal Government’s approval of a modular refinery within the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park.
- The refinery, to be developed by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited, is expected to be operational within 12 months.
Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has launched a major development initiative to end the long-standing neglect of Ukwa, the state’s only oil-producing region. By kickstarting the reconstruction of the 11.1-kilometer Obehie-Umudobia-Owaza road in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Otti is setting the stage for a revitalised economic landscape.
The governor emphasised that the road is more than just an infrastructure project—it is a catalyst for economic transformation. The road will enhance the marketability of the proposed Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP), which will serve as a key driver of industrialisation in the region.
In a significant boost to these efforts, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a modular refinery within the AIIP, a move expected to accelerate the region’s economic prospects. The refinery, to be developed by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited, is expected to be operational within 12 months.
Governor Otti assured residents that his administration is committed to ensuring Ukwa receives its fair share of development benefits. Beyond infrastructure, the government is focused on leveraging Ukwa’s natural resources to create jobs, enhance industrial capacity, and drive sustainable economic development.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring Ukwa’s rightful allocation from the state’s resources, working closely with agencies such as the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to restore development lost to years of neglect.
Beyond road construction, Otti assured the community that the reconstruction of the Umuzike-Obokwe-Ngwaiyiekwe road had been approved in the 2025 budget. Furthermore, he pledged to restore electricity in Asa land before the end of the month, directing the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, to expedite efforts toward restoring power.
Governor Otti’s strategic interventions signal a new era for Ukwa—one focused on unlocking its economic potential, ending decades of neglect, and positioning it as a key industrial and energy hub in Abia State.
The state government aims to integrate infrastructure, industrial development, and resource optimisation to create a sustainable growth path that benefits the local community and the broader economy.