- Tinubu Approves Commercial Oil Drilling in Ogun
- Revives Olokola Deep Seaport
- …new seaport to be known as Blue Marine economic zone
Ogun State is set to realise its long-standing ambition of becoming an oil-producing state following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba, in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this 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.
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The governor also announced that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project, a multibillion-dollar development located in Ogun Waterside, describing it as a major breakthrough after years of delays.
According to Abiodun, both projects are of special interest to the President, noting that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly decongest Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would promote inclusion and economic empowerment for residents of coastal communities.
“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, there will be increased activities in the area,” the governor said.
He added that the Olokola Port project, which had remained on the drawing board for several years, has now been revived through the President’s direct intervention.
“In the last two weeks alone, several meetings have been held on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality,” Abiodun said, adding that the President directed that construction work should be significantly advanced between now and next year.
The governor explained that the proposed port, to be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, would leverage its strategic coastal location and the ongoing coastal road project to serve as an alternative logistics corridor and ease pressure on Lagos ports.
Abiodun also commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would help secure Nigeria’s maritime borders, prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic, and protect emerging economic assets.
He disclosed that the state government is working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island to improve living conditions and support anticipated economic growth.
The governor praised the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to the state’s security architecture, saying inter-agency collaboration has helped maintain relative peace across Ogun State.
Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned officer, Abiodun expressed confidence that security and development would be strengthened under his leadership.
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 strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, noting that safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders and preventing criminal infiltration remained a key responsibility of the command.
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