Abia Governor Reaffirms Commitment as Modular Refinery Set for Construction in 2026
The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the timely delivery of the long-awaited modular refinery project at the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
Speaking while receiving an update from HSI Energies Group, the lead investors, Governor Otti was informed that physical construction of the 10,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) refinery will commence in the first quarter of 2026.
The refinery, which is designed to expand in phases up to 30,000 bpd, is expected to be a game-changer for the South-East. According to projections, the project could generate over 3,000 direct jobs, attract nearly $300 million in foreign direct investment, and deliver up to $68 million in annual tax revenue when the initial 10,000 bpd capacity is fully operational.
Governor Otti noted that his administration remains focused on creating an enabling environment for investors and driving industrialization in Abia. He emphasized that the refinery will not only boost the state’s economy but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy security.
While earlier reports in 2024 suggested that the refinery could be operational by 2025, the latest update confirms that groundbreaking and physical construction are now scheduled for early 2026. Stakeholders say this adjustment reflects a more realistic timeline for such a capital-intensive project.
The modular refinery at Owaza is widely seen as a strategic investment that will place Abia at the heart of Nigeria’s industrial growth, with promises of jobs, energy security, and renewed investor confidence in the South-East.