Economic boost for Ogun as Tinubu okays oil exploration, deep seaport project

Ogun State’s long-standing quest to become an oil-producing state is set to be realised 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 disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor also revealed that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing it as a major breakthrough after years of delay surrounding the multibillion-dollar port project.

According to Abiodun, both the oil drilling and seaport projects are of special interest to the President, noting that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would help decongest Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would drive economic inclusion and empower coastal communities.

He said the President has directed that work on the Olokola port should be far advanced between now and next year, stressing that the project would benefit from the coastal road as an alternative logistics corridor. The governor added that the seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic and economic importance.

Abiodun commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would help secure the area, prevent cross-border infiltration and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, while also supporting emerging economic activities.

He further disclosed that his administration is working to provide basic amenities for residents of Tongeji Island and praised the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to the state’s security architecture, which he said has helped sustain peace in Ogun State.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to national security and said the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded due to its oil potential, adding that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government to secure the state’s borders and waterways.