Ogun State is set to join Nigeria’s league of oil-producing states following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for commercial oil drilling at Eba in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed the development while receiving Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, and other senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Abeokuta.
Abiodun also announced that the president has approved the immediate take-off of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project, describing it as a major breakthrough after years of anticipation.
“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.
The governor explained that both the oil drilling initiative and the seaport project are of special interest to the president.
He noted that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would help decongest Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would drive inclusion and economic empowerment in coastal communities.
“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. 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,” Abiodun added.
Tinubu has directed that construction work on the port should be significantly advanced between now and next year.
The new seaport will be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and economic potential.
Navy’s Role in Securing Ogun Waterside
Governor Abiodun commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, saying the move would help prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He added that his administration is working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island to improve living conditions and support emerging economic activities.
Abiodun praised the Navy’s contribution to Ogun State’s security, noting that collaboration among security agencies has helped maintain peace.
“We are happy that someone with your antecedents, background, training, and experience is occupying this position at this time. You are a round peg in a round hole,” he told Rear Admiral Mustapha.
Earlier, Mustapha described Ogun State as critical to Nigeria’s national security. He revealed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s oil potential.
He said his visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that part of his mandate was to secure Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic and prevent criminal activities.
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