Ogun Joins Oil-Producing States as Tinubu Approves Crude Drilling at Tongeji Island

Ogun State is poised to enter Nigeria’s league of oil-producing states following the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commencement of commercial crude oil drilling at Tongeji Island, located in Ipokia Local Government Area.

The development 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, alongside senior officers of the Nigerian Navy, to the Governor’s Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun described the presidential approval as the realisation of a long-standing aspiration of the state, noting that oil exploration activities at Tongeji Island are set to gain momentum in the coming months. He said the project enjoys the personal interest of President Tinubu and is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities for Ogun State, particularly for its coastal communities.

The governor further revealed that President Tinubu has also approved the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. According to him, the seaport, which had remained dormant for years, has now received renewed presidential backing.

Abiodun explained that the Olokola Deep Seaport would play a critical role in decongesting the nation’s ports, especially those in Lagos, with the ongoing coastal road providing an alternative logistics corridor for cargo movement. He disclosed that the President has directed that substantial progress be made on the project 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 seaport would be designated 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 enhance security in the oil-bearing area, prevent cross-border infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic, and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He also disclosed that the state government is making efforts to provide basic amenities for residents of the island communities, aimed at improving living conditions and supporting emerging economic activities linked to oil exploration and maritime development.

Governor Abiodun praised the Navy for its contributions to strengthening Ogun State’s security architecture, stressing that inter-agency collaboration has helped sustain the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state. Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, he expressed confidence that his leadership would further bolster 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 in view of 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 national borders and curbing criminal activities.