Ogun State’s bid to join Nigeria’s oil-producing states is set to become a reality 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 senior officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor also announced that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, ending years of uncertainty surrounding the multibillion-dollar project.
Abiodun said both initiatives are of special interest to the President, noting that the Olokola Deep Seaport would help decongest Lagos ports, while oil drilling at Tongeji Island would drive economic inclusion and empower coastal communities.
“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and very soon, there will be visible activities in that area,” the governor said.
He added that the Olokola port project has been revived solely on the President’s directive, revealing that several high-level meetings have been held in recent weeks to fast-track its implementation. According to him, President Tinubu has directed that construction should be significantly advanced between now and next year.
Governor Abiodun further disclosed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its coastal advantage and vast economic potential.
He commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the presence would help secure Nigeria’s borders with the Benin Republic and prevent territorial breaches. He also assured that his administration is working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island to improve their living conditions.
The governor praised the Navy’s role in sustaining peace in Ogun State and described Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned officer whose leadership would further strengthen security in the state.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategically important to Nigeria’s national security, disclosing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded due to the area’s oil potential. He said the visit was aimed at deepening cooperation between the Navy and the state government, particularly in border security and crime prevention.