Ogun State is set to join the league of oil-producing states as President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area.
Governor Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun – MFR 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 Abeokuta.
The governor also announced President Tinubu’s approval for the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing it as a major breakthrough after years of delay.
According to Abiodun, both projects are of special interest to the President. He noted that the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly decongest Lagos ports, while oil drilling at Tongeji Island would drive economic inclusion and development in coastal communities.
“Our proposed Olokola Port is now back on the table. Mr President has shown strong commitment, and in the last two weeks alone, several meetings have been held to ensure the project becomes a reality,” the governor said.
He added that President Tinubu has directed that construction work on the port should be far advanced between now and next year, especially with the coastal road providing a new logistics corridor.
Governor Abiodun disclosed that the new seaport will be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its vast commercial and economic potential.
He commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the presence would enhance border security and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, particularly along the Benin Republic corridor.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing basic amenities for residents of the island while strengthening collaboration with security agencies to sustain peace across the state.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to national security, adding that the naval base at Tongeji Island would be upgraded due to the area’s oil prospects.
