A technical team from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has inspected the Eba oil well in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area as the state moves closer to the commencement of commercial drilling.
The inspection followed the approval granted by Tinubu for commercial exploration in the area and forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to deploy the necessary technical capacity and infrastructure for crude oil production. Officials of NNPCL carried out the exercise alongside representatives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and national security agencies to assess the site and ascertain its readiness for drilling activities.
The delegation was led by Hussein Aliyu, Project Coordinator for Enserv, who headed the NNPCL Enserv technical team. Other members of the team included Wasiu Adeniyi, Onwugba Kelechi, Engr. Rabiu M. Audu, Ojonoka Braimah, Ahmad Usman, Akinbosola Oluwaseyi, Salisu Nuhu, James Amezhinim, Yusuf Abdul Azeez, Amararu Isukul and Livinus J. Kigbu.
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the development as a major milestone for Ogun State, noting that the commencement of drilling at the Eba oil well would open up new economic opportunities for the state. He said the project would create jobs, stimulate local economic activities and attract increased federal presence to the coastal communities of Ogun Waterside.
According to the governor, “This inspection is another clear indication that Ogun State is steadily moving towards joining the league of oil producing states. The benefits for our people, especially in terms of employment and infrastructure, will be significant.”
Geological findings had earlier confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in the Ogun Waterside axis, leading to preliminary surveys and technical engagements by NNPCL. The Ogun State Government also conducted an independent verification of the oil well’s coordinates, which confirmed that the discovery is located within the state’s territory.
To safeguard the project, naval security personnel have been stationed at the site for more than 18 months, with the backing of the Ogun State Government, to secure the facility and surrounding areas against threats.
The Eba oil well is seen as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to expand oil exploration and production beyond the Niger Delta region. Stakeholders involved in the project stated that the next phase would focus on regulatory compliance, community engagement, environmental protection and ensuring a smooth take off of commercial operations.
The Ogun State Government also expressed appreciation to Tinubu for supporting the development of frontier oil basins and promoting a more equitable distribution of the nation’s energy resources across states.
