21 October 2011, Sweetcrude, Umuahia – A Dubai company, Alkamali Oil Exploration, is to build an oil and gas refinery in Abia State.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Shiekh Bader Ali Abdulla Al-Kamali, disclosed this when he and the management of the company visited Abia State deputy governor, Emeka Ananaba, at the Gvernment House in Umuahia.
Al-Kamali said the company was looking forward to expanding the downstream petroleum arm of its business by becoming a major player in Nigeria’s oil sector.
He said the company has chosen to set up business in Abia State because of the friendly business atmosphere, adding that they were also considerng investment in power generation, among others.
He solicited the support of the state government to enable them achieve their goals.
The deputy governor hailed the development, expressing satisfaction that international investors are beginning to see the huge investment opportunities in the state.
He said the state government would make the state investment-friendly for foreign entrepreneurs and assured the delegation of the state government’s assistance.
A member of the delegation, Prof. Anya O. Anya, hailed the choice of Abia State for the project and urged both parties to ensure its realisation.
The delegation inspected a site for the proposed refinery at the oil -rich Owaza Ukwa West community.
The paramount ruler of the community, Eze Young Ogbonna, assured the investors of their support.