President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, paving the way for Ogun State to officially join the league of oil-producing states in Nigeria.
The approval was disclosed by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, during a courtesy visit in Abeokuta. According to the governor, the oil drilling project at Tongeji Island, located in Ipokia Local Government Area, represents a major economic milestone for the state.
Governor Abiodun also announced that President Tinubu has given approval for the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project. He revealed that the seaport will operate under a new framework known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, describing it as a transformative initiative expected to decongest Lagos ports and unlock vast economic opportunities for coastal communities in Ogun State.
The governor commended President Tinubu for his strong interest and support for both projects, noting that engagements are already ongoing to fast-track their implementation. He also praised the Nigerian Navy for upgrading its presence at Tongeji Island to a Forward Operations Base, a move aimed at strengthening border security and safeguarding critical national assets.
Rear Admiral Mustapha, in his remarks, reaffirmed Ogun State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s national security architecture and pledged deeper collaboration between the Navy and the state government.
The twin approvals are expected to significantly boost Ogun State’s economic profile, enhance maritime trade, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy and logistics infrastructure.
