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Ogun State is on the verge of becoming an oil-producing region after President Bola Tinubu approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the development while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
In the same meeting, Abiodun revealed that the president has also approved the immediate take-off of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project, also located in Ogun Waterside. The governor described both initiatives as major breakthroughs for the state, long awaited by residents and investors alike.
According to Abiodun, both projects have the personal interest of President Tinubu. While commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island is expected to drive economic empowerment and inclusion in the state’s coastal communities, the Olokola Deep Seaport aims to decongest Lagos ports and enhance Nigeria’s logistics infrastructure.
“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,” the governor said.
He also thanked the president for prioritizing the Olokola Port, noting that multiple recent meetings with the president confirmed his commitment to the project. “Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. Mr. President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality,” Abiodun said.
The governor added that construction on the port is set to accelerate over the coming year. The new facility, named the Blue Marine Economic Zone, will leverage its strategic coastal location to boost trade and industrial activity, providing an alternative logistics corridor to Lagos.
Abiodun also highlighted security measures tied to the oil and seaport projects. He commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, aimed at preventing infiltration from the neighboring Republic of Benin and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity. His administration is working to provide basic amenities for island residents to support emerging economic activities.
He praised the Nigerian Navy for its role in maintaining security in Ogun State, noting that collaboration among security agencies has helped sustain relative peace. Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a “seasoned officer,” the governor expressed confidence that his leadership would further enhance security in the state.
Rear Admiral Mustapha, in turn, described Ogun as a strategic area critical to Nigeria’s national security, revealing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s oil potential. He said the visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and Ogun State Government, as well as to secure the border with the Republic of Benin and curb criminal activities.
