- Tinubu approves commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ogun.
- Olokola Deep Seaport project receives presidential backing.
- Navy to boost security around oil and port locations.
Ogun State is set to join Nigeria’s league of oil producing states following the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commencement of commercial oil drilling activities in the state.
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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, alongside other senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, President Tinubu has approved the start of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Eba, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
“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 noted that the oil exploration would promote inclusion, economic empowerment and development for coastal communities within the state.
The governor also revealed that President Tinubu had approved the immediate takeoff of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside, reviving the long delayed multibillion dollar initiative.
“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,” Abiodun stated.
He said several high level meetings had been held on the project in recent weeks, adding that the President had directed that construction should be far advanced between now and next year.
Abiodun explained that the Olokola Deep Seaport would help decongest Lagos ports and serve as a major logistics hub, especially with the development of the coastal road. He added that the port would be designated as a Blue Marine Economic Zone.
Commending the Nigerian Navy, the governor said the establishment of a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island would strengthen security, prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic and protect critical national assets.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to national security, noting that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded in view of its oil potential and border security importance.
