Ogun State is set to join Nigeria’s league of oil-producing states following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling activities in the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, alongside other senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, the approval covers commercial drilling at Tongeji Island in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, marking a significant milestone for the state after years of exploration and anticipation.
Abiodun also announced that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project, also located in Ogun Waterside. He described the development as a major breakthrough for the multibillion-dollar project, which has remained on the drawing board for years.
The governor said both the oil drilling initiative and the Olokola Deep Seaport are projects of special interest to the president, noting that they align with the Federal Government’s broader economic and infrastructure agenda.
“Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there,” Abiodun said.
He explained that the Olokola Deep Seaport, now revived under Tinubu’s directive, would help decongest the Lagos ports while opening up a new logistics and industrial corridor along the coast. He added that the coastal road project would further strengthen the port’s viability.
“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. I want to sincerely thank Mr President because this is solely his initiative,” the governor said, revealing that several high-level meetings had been held in recent weeks to fast-track the project.
Abiodun disclosed that the seaport would be renamed the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal position and long-term economic potential. He added that President Tinubu has directed that significant progress should be recorded on the project between now and next year.
The governor further noted that commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would drive economic inclusion and empowerment for coastal communities in Ogun State, creating new opportunities for employment and development.
Commending the Nigerian Navy, Abiodun praised the establishment of a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, saying it would help prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic and strengthen Nigeria’s territorial security. He added that his administration is working to improve living conditions on the island by providing basic amenities to residents.
Abiodun also lauded the Navy’s role in maintaining security across Ogun State, describing the collaboration among security agencies as key to the relative peace enjoyed in the state.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategically important to Nigeria’s national security. He disclosed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s oil potential.
According to him, the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, noting that part of his mandate is to secure Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and curb criminal activities in the state.