Tinubu Approves Commercial Oil Drilling at Tongeji Island in Ogun

Ogun State is set to realise its long-standing ambition of becoming an oil-producing state following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, located in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor also revealed that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off 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 port project.

According to Abiodun, both projects enjoy the personal interest of the President. He noted that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would help decongest the Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would foster economic inclusion and empower coastal communities.

“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and very soon, there will be visible activities in that area,” the governor said.

He added that the Olokola Port project, which had remained on the drawing board for several years, has now been revived solely on the directive of President Tinubu.

“In the last two weeks alone, several meetings have been held on Olokola, and Mr President has made it clear that he wants the port to become a reality,” Abiodun said.

The governor further disclosed that President Tinubu directed that construction work on the port should be significantly advanced between now and next year, stressing that the project presents a strategic opportunity to ease pressure on Lagos ports, particularly with the coastal road serving as an alternative logistics corridor.

He said the proposed seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal positioning and economic potential.

Abiodun also commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would help prevent cross-border infiltration from the Republic of Benin and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He disclosed that the state government is making efforts to provide basic amenities for residents of the island to improve living conditions and support emerging economic activities.

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 due to the area’s oil prospects.

He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, particularly in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and preventing criminal activities.