Otti Pledges Support For PETAN’s Oil Refinery Project In Abia

Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, has assured that his administration will provide the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) with the necessary support for the proposed establishment of an oil refinery in the state.

Otti gave the assurance when he received a PETAN delegation led by its Chairman, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, who had come to investigate the possibility of establishing an oil refinery in the state.

Otti stated that the state government will work with PETAN to see how they can form a joint venture to complete the project.

The Governor also assured the delegation that Abia has numerous assets that have yet to be identified, emphasising that, in addition to oil and gas, the state has other resources in the Ukwa West council area and other areas that have yet to be explored.

“We have identified some assets outside of Ukwa West.” Today, oil activities in Abia are concentrated in Ukwa West, but I have it on good authority that other parts of the state have reserves that could be exploited.

“And by the time we have serious players, you begin to explore some of these areas around Umunneochi and other places.

“I would like to inform you that we are interested in working with you. We will see how we can collaborate. We take our partnership very seriously, and I would like to thank you for including us as one of the first states.

“If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. I would like to give you a timeline so that we do not just talk. I would like to receive an update on your progress every two weeks.

Also speaking, Professor Joel Ogbonna, the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, stated that the opportunity will propel the state to new heights because there are approximately 100 hundred capped oil wells that have yet to be tapped, adding that if realised, Abia will be one of the world’s top oil players.

Earlier, the delegation’s leader and PETAN Chairman, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, stated that their visit was to determine how best to help the state realise its full potential in the oil sector.

“We have been in discussions with the government about establishing a refinery in the state to serve the state and neighbouring states.” This is the first state where we will be executing this program/project.

“We have a programme that the association wants to use to assist the state with the resources that the state has on hand.

“We own the equipment that will find the oil and extract it from the ground; this will make our job easier.”

He stated that PETAN, an indigenous company that provides oil and gas services, is willing to work with the Abia state government to establish a refinery to serve neighbouring states, emphasising that the state has everything it needs to develop its oil and gas sector.

He explained that Abia would be the first state to benefit from the proposed joint venture model, which would increase the state’s IGR while also creating direct foreign exchange and job opportunities.