President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, in a move expected to unlock fresh investments, boost coastal economies and strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy drive.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday in Abeokuta while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, and other senior naval officers at the Government House.
Abiodun said the President also gave approval for the immediate take-off of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing both developments as major breakthroughs for the state and the country.
“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and activities will soon begin there,” the governor said.
He added that the revival of the Olokola Deep Seaport, now renamed the Blue Marine Economic Zone, followed a series of engagements with Tinubu, who, according to him, is determined to see the multibillion-dollar port project delivered.
“The Olokola deep seaport project, which has been on the drawing board for several years, has been revived following meetings with the President.
In the last two weeks alone, we have held several engagements on Olokola, and he has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality,” Abiodun said.
The governor said the seaport would serve as an alternative logistics corridor, decongest Lagos ports and enhance Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness, while oil drilling at Tongeji Island would stimulate economic growth, job creation and inclusion in coastal communities.
Abiodun also commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the move would improve security in the coastal belt and prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic.
He added that the state government was working to provide basic amenities and infrastructure on the island to improve living conditions and support emerging commercial activities.
Earlier, Mustapha described Ogun as strategically important to Nigeria’s national security and economic future, saying the naval outpost at Tongeji Island was being upgraded in view of the area’s confirmed oil and gas potential.
“The oil and gas prospects of Ogun State place it among the critical states that will drive Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations in the coming years,” the naval chief said.
He noted that the development of ports and maritime infrastructure in the state further underscored its importance within Nigeria’s national security and maritime strategy, adding that the Navy had intensified operations to secure Nigeria’s inland waterways and maritime borders from the Republic of Benin to the Ondo-Lagos axis.
Mustapha said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Navy and the Ogun State Government, particularly in tackling cross-border crimes and ensuring the safety of maritime assets and investments.
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