President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling in Ogun State as well as the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport, marking a major economic breakthrough for the Gateway State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, oil drilling activities will commence at Tongeji Island in Eba, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, following presidential approval.
“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and in the coming months, there will be visible activities in that area,” Abiodun stated.
The governor explained that the oil exploration project would boost economic inclusion, empower coastal communities, and open new development opportunities for residents of Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun also announced that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport, a multibillion-dollar project that had remained dormant for years.
“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. This renewed push is solely Mr President’s initiative,” he said.
He revealed that several high-level meetings have already been held on the project, adding that the President has directed that construction should be significantly advanced between now and next year.
The governor noted that the deep seaport would help decongest Lagos ports and serve as a major logistics hub, especially with the emergence of the coastal road. He added that the port would be designated as a Blue Marine Economic Zone due to its strategic location and commercial potential.
Abiodun further commended the Nigerian Navy for plans to upgrade its presence at Tongeji Island to a Forward Operations Base, stressing that enhanced security would be crucial as oil drilling and port activities begin.
Rear Admiral Mustapha, on his part, described Ogun State as strategically important to Nigeria’s national security, assuring the state government of the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and economic assets.
