Commercial oil drilling in Ogun has received presidential approval as President Bola Tinubu sanctioned operations at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area. The announcement was made Thursday by Governor Dapo Abiodun during a meeting with the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha.
The approval coincides with the greenlighting of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. Abiodun described both initiatives as major breakthroughs poised to boost the state’s economy and strategic importance.
“The President has approved commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island. You will begin to see a lot of activity there,” Abiodun said, adding that the Olokola Port—soon to be called the Blue Marine Economic Zone—would help decongest Lagos ports and open new logistics corridors along the coast.
Abiodun explained that Tongeji Island drilling operations would promote economic inclusion and empower coastal communities, while the new seaport aims to stimulate trade and industrial activity. The governor also highlighted the ongoing provision of basic amenities to support residents and emerging businesses on the island.
The Nigerian Navy has established a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, which Abiodun said would safeguard national territorial integrity and prevent infiltration from neighboring Benin. Rear Admiral Mustapha confirmed that the naval presence would be strengthened due to the area’s oil potential.
He added that the visit aimed to enhance cooperation between the Ogun State Government and the Navy while securing the border against criminal activity. Abiodun praised Mustapha’s experience, expressing confidence that his leadership would reinforce security and facilitate economic progress in the state.
The approval of commercial oil drilling and the Olokola Deep Seaport marks a significant step in unlocking Ogun State’s natural and infrastructural potential, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s broader agenda for economic growth and coastal development.
