Ogun becomes oil producing as Tinubu clears state for drilling, approves Olokola Deep Seaport take-off

Ogun State is poised to become Nigeria’s newest oil-producing state following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area.

Governor Dapo Abiodun made the disclosure on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and senior officers of the command during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor also announced that the President has given approval for the immediate take-off of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing the decision as a major milestone after years of uncertainty surrounding the multibillion-dollar port.

Abiodun said both projects are of special interest to President Tinubu, noting that the Olokola Deep Seaport would help decongest Lagos ports, while oil exploration at Tongeji Island would promote economic inclusion and development in Ogun’s coastal communities.

“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and very soon, there will be noticeable activities in that area,” the governor said.

He added that the Olokola Port, which had remained on the drawing board for several years, has now been revived through the President’s personal intervention.

“In the last two weeks, we have had several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality,” Abiodun stated.

According to the governor, the President has directed that construction of the port should be substantially advanced between now and next year, stressing that the project would benefit from the coastal road as an alternative logistics route and significantly reduce congestion at Lagos ports.

He disclosed that the seaport would operate under the name Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and economic prospects.

Abiodun commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the move would strengthen border security and prevent infiltration from the Republic of Benin.

He further said the state government was working to provide basic infrastructure and amenities for residents of the island in anticipation of increased economic activities.

The governor also praised the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to maintaining peace and security in Ogun State, attributing the state’s relative stability to effective collaboration among security agencies.

Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned officer with a strong track record, Abiodun expressed confidence that his leadership would further enhance security in the state.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategically important 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 was aimed at deepening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that safeguarding Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic remains a key priority of the command.