Abia promises to speed up its industrial park, with a modular refinery planned
The Abia Industrial Innovation Park at Owaza has a new managing director, and Governor Alex Otti says several companies want in.
Owaza — Abia State Governor Alex Otti has pledged to speed up construction of the Abia Industrial Innovation Park at Owaza, in Ukwa West Local Government Area, in the coming weeks and months, Premium Times reports, citing the News Agency of Nigeria.
He was represented on a site visit by his chief of staff, Caleb Ajagba. The visit introduced the park's new managing director, Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, who pledged to see the project through.
What is planned
- The state's petroleum commissioner, Professor Joel Ogbonna, said a modular refinery and a compressed natural gas facility are planned, to harness Abia's oil and gas for development and jobs.
- Access roads have been built and the necessary processes completed, he said.
- The governor said several companies and organisations have shown interest, and the focus now is turning that into actual projects.
The local lawmaker, Godwin Adiele, said the park was conceived to host several industries and create jobs in Ukwa West and nearby areas. A traditional leader of the host community, Uche Nwele, acknowledged the state's compensation payments and pledged the community's cooperation.
Source: Premium Times, via the News Agency of Nigeria, 14 October 2026.
