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The Abia State Government has announced plans to soon commence the construction of the Abia Medical City project, designed to reverse medical tourism and attract patients to the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcomes of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti. He stated that the project, once completed, would position Abia as a prime destination for medical services in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Kanu said, “Abia Medical City is a signature project of the state government. It is designed to enhance medical tourism, making the state a destination for medical services. Instead of seeking medical attention abroad, Abia residents, Nigerians, and even Africans will choose Abia for their healthcare needs once this project is completed.”
He emphasised that the government is prioritising the health sector because governance should focus on improving the lives of the people.
In addition to the medical city, Kanu revealed that the state government aims to boost its oil production capacity.
To achieve this, the government has established a Special Purpose Vehicle with 40 per cent equity, while the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria will hold 25 per cent, and private investors will take up the remaining 35 per cent.
“This initiative will enable the state to activate its capped wells, which are estimated at slightly above 100. Once operational, this will allow the state to produce both oil and gas, supporting the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) project,” he explained.
He further noted that the Modular Refinery Project, located at the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, is progressing steadily. The company behind the project, HSI Engineering, is committed to completing the refinery before the end of the year.
“The company has made significant progress and achieved impressive milestones that indicate their intention to commence full refining operations before year-end,” Kanu stated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, said the government intends to leverage the state’s rich oil reserves to stimulate economic growth.
Ogbonna highlighted that compensation for land acquired in Owaza, Ukwa West, for the Abia State Industrial and Innovation Park has already commenced.
He stated, “Upon assuming office, the government acquired 1,933 hectares of land in Owaza for the Abia State Industrial and Innovation Park. This area contains rich oil and gas resources, which we intend to utilise for developing fertiliser companies, petrochemicals, modular refineries, and related sub-sectors.
“In Governor Otti’s characteristic manner, we ensured compensation payments for the acquired land. After completing enumeration and a sensitisation programme, we commenced payments on December 31, 2024. This has paved the way for business activities to take off, with significant progress already recorded by the company establishing the modular refinery.”
The briefing was also attended by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche; the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Chief Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
