Tinubu approves oil drilling, seaport project in Ogun

 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the start of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The approval was disclosed on Thursday by Governor Dapo Abiodun during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior officers at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Abiodun also announced that the President had given the go-ahead for the immediate commencement of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing the development as a major breakthrough after years of delay surrounding the multibillion-dollar initiative.

According to the governor, both projects are of particular interest to President Tinubu. He explained that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would help ease congestion at the Lagos ports, oil drilling activities at Tongeji Island would enhance economic inclusion and empowerment for residents of 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.

“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, 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”, the governor said.

Abiodun added that the President had directed that construction work on the seaport should be significantly advanced between now and next year. He noted that the project would provide a strong alternative for decongesting the Lagos ports, especially with the coastal road serving as an additional logistics corridor.

He further revealed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, highlighting its coastal positioning and economic prospects.

The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would help prevent infiltration from the neighbouring Republic of Benin and deter actions capable of threatening Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He said the state government was also working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island as part of efforts to improve living standards and support emerging economic opportunities.

Abiodun praised the Nigerian Navy for its role in strengthening the state’s security architecture, adding that collaboration among security agencies had contributed to the relative peace currently enjoyed in Ogun State.

Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as an experienced and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence in improved security and development outcomes 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,” the governor said.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to Nigeria’s national security. He disclosed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base because of the area’s oil potential.

He explained that the visit was aimed at deepening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that part of his mandate was to secure Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.