The long-anticipated aspiration of Ogun State to join Nigeria’s league of oil-producing states is set to become a reality following the approval of President Bola Tinubu for the commencement of commercial oil drilling activities in the state.
Naijaonpoint reports that Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, President Tinubu has given approval for the commencement 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 project would promote inclusion, economic empowerment and development for residents of the state’s coastal communities.
Abiodun also revealed that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside, bringing renewed hope to the long-delayed multibillion-dollar port 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,” the governor said.
He added that within the last two weeks, several high-level meetings had been held on the project, with the President expressing strong commitment to ensuring its realisation.
The governor explained that the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly decongest the already overstretched Lagos ports, especially with the emergence of the coastal road as an alternative logistics corridor.
He disclosed that President Tinubu had directed that construction of the port should be far advanced between now and next year.
Abiodun further announced that the seaport would be designated as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and enormous commercial potential.
Commending the Nigerian Navy, the governor noted that the establishment of a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island would enhance security and prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic.
He said the naval presence would also discourage any activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s territorial integrity, particularly as oil exploration and port activities commence.
Abiodun added that his administration was working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island in line with plans to improve living conditions and support emerging economic opportunities.
The governor lauded the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to the state’s security framework, noting that inter-agency collaboration had helped sustain the relative peace currently enjoyed in Ogun State.
Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, Abiodun expressed confidence in enhanced security under his leadership.
“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 said.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as critical and strategic to Nigeria’s national security. He disclosed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s oil potential.
According to him, the visit was aimed at strengthening synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that safeguarding Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and preventing criminal infiltration formed part of the Navy’s core mandate.