Owaza Modular Refinery is under construction in Owaza, Ukwa East LGA, Abia State,
CEO of HSI Energies, Chikezie Nwosu, has disclosed that the company’s modular refinery under construction in Owaza, Ukwa East LGA, Abia State, will generate 3,000 direct jobs for locals upon completion.
The CEO announced this on Wednesday during a visit to Governor Alex Otti at Umuehim Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
Nwosu revealed that the refinery, set to begin construction in the first quarter of 2026, will initially process 10,000 barrels per day (bpd), creating 1,000 jobs, with plans to scale up to 30,000 bpd, tripling the job count.
“For each of the 10,000 bpd, the income that Abia Government will get is about $68 million,” he stated, adding that the project will attract $300 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) at full capacity, with $100 million for the first two phases.
The refinery’s construction involves Cakasa for civil works and tank farm development, while D-Fields LLC, an American contractor, is designing the crude distillation unit.
Nwosu also shared plans for future processing ventures, including palm wine and pharmaceuticals using traditional medicine, once energy supply is secured at the Owaza Industrial Park.
“It will create training opportunities, develop people and refining business as well as oil and gas business in Abia State,” he noted.
Governor Otti praised HSI Energies for their rapid progress, stating that Abia prioritizes job creation over holding significant equity in the project.
He urged the company to explore the petroleum value chain to ensure profitability, warning that “operating a refinery without its value chain is loss-making” (NAN).
