Tinubu Approves Oil Drilling At Tongeji Island, Gives Green Light To Olokola Deep Seaport — Abiodun

Ogun State is set to join Nigeria’s league of oil-producing states following the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and senior officers during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor also announced that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, ending years of delay surrounding the multibillion-dollar development.
According to Abiodun, both projects enjoy the President’s personal backing. He explained that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly ease congestion at Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would foster economic inclusion and development for Ogun’s coastal communities.
“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see significant activities there,” the governor said.
He added that the Olokola Port project, which had remained dormant for several years, has now been revived solely at the President’s instance.
“In the last two weeks, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has made it clear that he wants to see this port become a reality,” Abiodun stated.
The governor revealed that President Tinubu directed that construction work on the port should be substantially advanced between now and next year, noting that the project would benefit from the newly constructed coastal road, which offers an alternative logistics corridor to Lagos.
He further disclosed that the seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, a name reflecting its coastal location and vast commercial and industrial potential.
Abiodun commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the presence of naval personnel would help prevent cross-border infiltration from the neighbouring Republic of Benin and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He also assured residents of the island that his administration was working to provide basic amenities to improve living conditions and support emerging economic activities.
The governor praised the Nigerian Navy for its role in maintaining security in the state, stressing that effective collaboration among security agencies has sustained relative peace in Ogun.
Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned officer, Abiodun expressed confidence that Ogun State would witness improved security and development under his leadership.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategically important to Nigeria’s national security. He disclosed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s oil prospects.
He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that the Navy remains committed to securing Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and preventing criminal elements from operating within the state.