Ogun State’s long-standing push to become an oil-producing state is closer to reality following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the start of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made this known on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun also announced that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
According to the governor, both the oil drilling project and the seaport are of special interest to the President, who is committed to ensuring their implementation without further delays.
He said commercial drilling activities would soon begin at Tongeji Island, noting that the development would bring increased economic activities and better inclusion for coastal communities in the state.
The governor explained that the Olokola Deep Seaport, which had remained on the drawing board for several years, has now received renewed presidential backing to move forward.
He disclosed that several high-level meetings have been held in recent weeks, adding that President Tinubu has directed that construction of the port should be substantially advanced between now and next year.
Abiodun stated that the seaport would play a major role in decongesting existing Lagos ports, especially with the coastal road serving as an alternative logistics route.
He further revealed that the port would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, a name that reflects its coastal advantage and strong commercial prospects.
Commending the Nigerian Navy, the governor said the establishment of a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island would improve security in the area and prevent cross-border infiltration from the Republic of Benin.
He said the naval presence would also help safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity while supporting oil and maritime operations around the island.
Abiodun added that the Ogun State Government is working to provide basic amenities for residents of Tongeji Island to improve living conditions and support emerging economic opportunities.
He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to strengthening the state’s security architecture, noting that collaboration among security agencies has helped sustain relative peace in Ogun State.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategically important to Nigeria’s national security due to its coastal and border locations.
He disclosed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base because of the area’s oil potential.
Mustapha said his visit was aimed at deepening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, particularly in securing Nigeria’s western maritime and land borders.
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