Ogun Proudly Joins Oil-Producing States in Nigeria As President Tinubu Approves Commercial Oil Drilling in Eba, Ogun Waterside
By: Olufemi Orunsola
As Ogun State prepares for her golden jubilee anniversary on February 3rd, the Gateway State has found one more reason to celebrate as it just made history as Nigeria’s newest oil-producing state following the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for thecommencement of commercial crude oil drilling at Eba, in the Ogun Waterside area of the state.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the development on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and senior officers of the Nigerian Navy during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun described the presidential approval as the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration of the state, noting that oil exploration activities at Tongeji Island would soon begin to gather momentum. According to him, the project is of special interest to President Tinubu and is expected to unlock new economic opportunities for coastal communities in Ogun State.
He further revealed that the President has also approved the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Abiodun added that the seaport initiative, which had remained on the drawing board for several years, has now received renewed presidential backing.
Governor Abiodun also explained that the Olokola Deep Seaport would play a major role in decongesting Lagos ports, especially with the ongoing coastal road providing an alternative logistics route for cargo movement.
He disclosed that President Tinubu has directed that construction of the port should be significantly advanced between now and next year.
“Our proposed Olokola Port is now back on the table. Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality, and in the last two weeks alone, several meetings have been held to ensure its take-off,” the governor said.
He added that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and vast commercial potential.
The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would help secure the oil-rich area, prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic, and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Governor Abiodun also disclosed that his administration is making efforts to provide basic amenities for residents of the island communities in order to improve their living conditions and support emerging economic activities tied to oil exploration and maritime development.
He praised the Navy for its role in strengthening Ogun State’s security architecture, stressing that collaboration among security agencies has contributed to the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.
Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence that his leadership would further enhance security and development in Ogun State.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to Nigeria’s national security, revealing 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 deepening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, particularly in safeguarding the nation’s borders and preventing criminal activities.
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