…Says modular refinery on course
…To flag off medical city
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government has said it was set to activate over 100 capped oil wells in the state for production of oil and gas.
This is as the State Government said it would soon flag off the construction of the Abia Medical City project, a project designed to reverse medical tourism to the state.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu who disclosed this during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, announced the establishment of Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, in partnership with Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria ( PETAN); and private investors.
According to him, the State Government has 40 per cent equity, PETAN holds 25 per cent, while the balance of 35 per cent goes to private investors.
He said that the oil company when functional, would not only create job opportunities but help develop the oil and gas sector.
“This move would help the state government to activate its capped Wells put at slightly above 100.
“And when fully operational this would enable the state government to produce both gas and oil which of course would support the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) project,” Kanu stated.
He further said that the Modular Refinery Project being constructed at the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park at Owaza, “is very much on course.”
The Commissioner said: “The company behind the project, HSI Engineering, is committed to birthing that project before the end of this year .
“They have made some progress in that regard. They have recorded some very impressive milestones that speak to their intention to commence full refining business before the end of this year,” Prince Kanu stated.
Kanu said that the medical city project when fully realised, would make Abia a preferred destination for medical tourism within Nigeria and Sub- Saharan Africa.
“Abia Medical City is a signature project of the state government. It is a project that is designed to enhance medical tourism. A project that would direct tourism to the state in terms of medical services.
“A situation whereby rather than go outside the country to go and seek medical attention, Abia citizens, Nigerians and indeed Africa would want to come to Abia State on medical tourism once that project is completed,” Prince Kanu stated.
Contributing, Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, expressed excitement over the leap in crude oil production in the state following the engagement of an indigenous security firm to safeguard oil pipelines in the state.
Recall that the Executive Director of Okposon security, David Nwogu, penultimate week, said crude oil production in the state had jumped from 10,000 to 32,000 barrels per day in less than six months after the Federal Government engaged the firm to help protect oil pipelines and installations in the state.
The Commissioner said that “Government wants to take advantage of that rich source of oil in the state to develop the state’s economy.”
On the Industrial park project, the Commissioner said that Government had commenced compensation for the land it acquired in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area for the Abia State Industrial Innovation Park, AIIP.
He said: “As soon as we came on board, government acquired 1,933 hectares of land in Owaza for Abia State Industrial Innovation Park.
“That’s where we have the oil and gas. We want to take advantage of that source to be able to develop fertiliser companies, petrochemical, modular refineries and sub sectors.
“In the Governor’s usual way of doing things we needed to make sure we pay the compensation which may be has delayed whatever we wanted to do. So we went ahead and did the enumeration, a sensitisation programme and by 31st of December (2024) we commenced the payment of compensation.
“So, we are now ready for real business and that’s why you heard that the company that wants to establish a modular refinery has made appreciable progress in that regard, Prof. Ogbonna stated.
