Abia State Government has pledged to accelerate construction work at the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area, in the coming weeks and months.
Governor Alex Otti gave the assurance during a visit to the project site, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba. The visit also enabled the park’s new Managing Director, Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, to assess progress and identify the work required to complete the facility.
Otti said the government was determined to make the park operational, adding that several companies and organisations had expressed interest in the project.
Ivonye-Ntofon pledged her commitment to completing the facility, while the Commissioner for Petroleum, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, said the park would support the development of the state’s oil and gas resources.
Ogbonna added that plans for a modular refinery and a compressed natural gas facility would create jobs and stimulate economic growth. He also cited access road construction and ongoing preparatory processes as foundations for the project.
The lawmaker representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Godwin Adiele, urged the government to speed up construction so residents could benefit from the anticipated economic opportunities.
The traditional Prime Minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community in Owaza, Chief Uche Nwele, pledged the community’s cooperation and commended the government for paying compensation and taking steps towards developing the facility.
