Ogun State is on the path to joining the league of oil producing states following the approval by Tinubu 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 of the command during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor also announced that Tinubu has approved the immediate take off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, bringing renewed momentum to the long delayed multibillion dollar port initiative.
According to Abiodun, the two projects are of strong interest to the President, noting that while the Olokola Deep Seaport will help reduce pressure on the Lagos ports, oil drilling at Tongeji Island will drive inclusion, economic growth, and empowerment for residents of the state’s coastal communities.
“Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there,” the governor said.
He added that the Olokola Deep Seaport project, which had remained on the drawing board for years, has now received firm backing from the President.
“Our proposed Olokola Port is now back on the table. I want to sincerely thank Mr President because this is solely his initiative. In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality,” Abiodun stated.
The governor revealed that Tinubu has directed that construction work on the port should be far advanced between now and next year, stressing that the project will provide a strong alternative logistics hub, especially with the coastal road serving as an additional transport corridor.
He further disclosed that the new seaport will be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, a name that reflects its coastal advantage and vast economic potential.
Abiodun commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, saying the presence of the Navy will help prevent infiltration from the Benin Republic and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He also noted that his administration is working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island as economic activities begin to increase, adding that security collaboration among agencies has helped sustain peace across the state.
The governor described Rear Admiral Mustapha as an accomplished officer, expressing confidence that Ogun State would benefit from enhanced security under his leadership.
“We are happy that someone with your antecedents, background, training, and experience is occupying this position at this time. You are a round peg in a round hole,” he said.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to Nigeria’s national security, revealing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island will be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s oil potential.
He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that safeguarding Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin remains a key responsibility of the command.
