KEY POINTS
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Abia State will begin the construction of a 10,000-barrel modular refinery in May.
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A study on Abia’s solid minerals aims to guide future investments in the sector.
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Abia will participate in the UN climate change conference and expand its rice farming program.
The Abia State Government announced that it will fully commence the construction of its modular refinery in May. The refinery will have a 10,000-barrel-per-day capacity and will be located at the AIP site in Abia.
The state has engaged NNPC’s Port Harcourt refinery and NNPC Retail Management to ensure sufficient petroleum product allocations. Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a briefing on the outcomes of the state Executive Council meeting.
State government makes progress on modular refinery and land compensation
Punch reported that Kanu has completed the compensation payments to affected landowners for the modular refinery project. He said that bush clearing and other works around the project site have already begun, especially near the refinery
The state recently commissioned a study on its solid mineral resources, such as limestone and granite.
Kanu said the study will help determine the commercial viability of the state’s mineral deposits and guide future investments.
Abia leads in climate change efforts and agricultural projects
Abia will participate in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn, Germany, in June 2025. The state aims to enhance its climate adaptation and mitigation efforts through this conference, focusing on green energy.
In the agricultural sector, Abia plans to flag off its wet season rice farming program with an 8,500-hectare target. The program will involve over 400 verified rice farmers in Ndi-Okereke and other parts of the rice belt in Abia North.