Ogun Joins Oil-Producing States with Presidential Nod for Tongeji Island Drilling

Ogun Set to Become Oil-Producing State as Tinubu Approves Crude Drilling at Tongeji Island

Ogun State is poised to join Nigeria’s league of oil-producing states following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the commencement of commercial crude oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed the development on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, alongside senior officers of the Nigerian Navy during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor described the presidential approval as the realisation of a long-standing aspiration of the state, noting that oil exploration activities at Tongeji Island are expected to gain momentum in the coming months. He said the project enjoys the personal interest of President Tinubu and is projected to open up fresh economic opportunities, particularly for coastal communities in Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun also revealed that the President has approved the immediate take-off of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. According to him, the project, which had stalled for several years, has now received renewed presidential commitment.

He explained that the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly ease congestion at Lagos ports, especially with the ongoing coastal road expected to provide an alternative logistics corridor for cargo movement. The governor added that President Tinubu has directed that substantial progress should be made on the port’s construction between now and next year.

“Our proposed Olokola Port is back on the table. Mr President has clearly expressed his determination to see the port become a reality, and in the last two weeks alone, several strategic meetings have been held to ensure its take-off,” Abiodun said.

He disclosed that the seaport would be developed as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, underscoring its strategic coastal position and vast commercial prospects.

The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the presence would enhance security around the oil-bearing area, prevent cross-border infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic, and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He further stated that the state government is working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island communities, with a view to improving their standard of living and supporting economic activities associated with oil exploration and maritime development.

Governor Abiodun praised the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to strengthening the state’s security architecture, stressing that sustained collaboration among security agencies has helped maintain relative peace in Ogun State. He also described Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned officer, expressing confidence that his leadership would further bolster security and development in the state.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to Nigeria’s national security, disclosing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s oil potential. He said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, particularly in securing the nation’s borders and curbing criminal activities.