Ogun State is poised to officially join Nigeria’s league of oil-producing states following approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Eba, Ogun Waterside.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed the development on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and senior officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor also announced that President Tinubu has approved the immediate takeoff of the Olokola Deep Seaport project, located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. The multibillion-dollar port development, long-awaited by stakeholders, is expected to significantly decongest Lagos ports and open new economic opportunities for the region.
“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 added that the Olokola Deep Seaport, now rebranded as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, will serve as a strategic logistics corridor, leveraging the coastal road to enhance trade and commerce in the region. “In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality,” the governor noted.
Governor Abiodun also commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, stressing that the naval presence would safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic. The administration plans to provide basic amenities for island residents in line with efforts to support emerging economic activities.
Rear Admiral Mustapha, describing Ogun State as critical to Nigeria’s national security, confirmed that the naval outpost would be upgraded due to the area’s significant oil potential. He emphasised that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and Ogun State Government while securing the nation’s borders.
“This synergy ensures that criminal elements cannot gain a foothold in the state, while also supporting the growth of new economic activities linked to oil and port operations,” Mustapha said.
Governor Abiodun expressed confidence in the naval leadership, describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a “round peg in a round hole,” and reiterated that the state’s partnership with security agencies has helped maintain relative peace, paving the way for industrial and infrastructural development.
