Ogun State is on the verge of a major economic transformation. According to Leadership Newspaper, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area, a development that positions the state to finally join Nigeria’s list of oil-producing states.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on
Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Flag
Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command,
Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and
senior naval officers at the Governor’s Office in
Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
In the same announcement, the governor
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, ending years of
uncertainty surrounding the multibillion-dollar
maritime project.
According to Governor Abiodun, both projects are
receiving direct presidential backing due to their
strategic importance to national economic
growth, maritime security, and regional
development. He explained that while the
Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly ease
congestion at the Lagos ports, the
commencement of oil drilling at Tongeji Island
would bring economic inclusion, employment
opportunities, and infrastructure development to
Ogun State’s coastal communities.
The governor disclosed that President Tinubu has
directed that construction activities at the
Olokola port should be well advanced between
now and next year. He noted that the port, which
will now operate under the name Blue Marine
Economic Zone, is expected to leverage its coastal
location and proximity to major trade routes to
boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports, attract foreign
investment, and enhance logistics efficiency.
With the ongoing construction of the coastal road,
Governor Abiodun said the Olokola Deep Seaport
would serve as an alternative maritime gateway,
reducing pressure on Apapa and Tin Can ports
while opening Ogun State to increased industrial
and commercial activities.
On the security front, the governor commended
the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward
Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the
naval presence would help secure oil
installations, prevent cross-border infiltration
from the neighbouring Republic of Benin, and
protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He added that the state government is already
working to provide basic amenities and social
infrastructure for residents of Tongeji Island to
improve living standards and support the
emerging oil and maritime economy.
Governor Abiodun further praised the Nigerian
Navy’s role in maintaining peace and security
across the state, expressing confidence that Ogun
State would witness improved security under the
leadership of Rear Admiral Mustapha, whom he
described as a seasoned and accomplished
officer.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun
State as a strategically important state in
Nigeria’s national security framework. He
disclosed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island
would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base
due to the area’s oil potential and its importance
in border security operations.
He explained that the visit was aimed at
strengthening collaboration between the
Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government,
particularly in safeguarding Nigeria’s western
maritime borders and preventing criminal
activities.
What Ogun State and Nigerians Stand to Gain
The commencement of oil drilling and the revival
of the Olokola Deep Seaport are expected to
generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs,
boost internally generated revenue for Ogun
State, and contribute to Nigeria’s foreign
exchange earnings. The developments are also
projected to stimulate industrial growth, enhance
regional trade, and improve national energy
security.
For residents of Ogun State, the projects promise
improved infrastructure, expanded economic
opportunities, and increased social development,
while for Nigeria, they represent strategic steps
toward port decongestion, economic
diversification, and sustainable coastal
development.
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