President Bola Tinubu has given the approval for commercial oil drilling to begin at Tongeji Island in Ogun State’s Ipokia Local Government Area.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the approval on Thursday during a meeting with the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior naval officers at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor also disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the immediate commencement of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, marking a major breakthrough for the long-delayed multibillion-naira port initiative.
Abiodun emphasized that both projects are priorities for the President. He noted that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would ease congestion at Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would drive economic inclusion and empowerment for coastal communities.
“Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there.
“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. I want to sincerely thank Mr President because this is solely his initiative. In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality,” the governor said.
Abiodun added that the President directed that construction of the port should be significantly advanced between now and next year, stressing that the project offers a strong opportunity to decongest Lagos ports, especially with the coastal road providing an alternative logistics corridor.
He further revealed that the new seaport would be named the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal position and economic potential.
The governor praised the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, saying the naval presence would help prevent infiltration from the neighboring Republic of Benin and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Abiodun also noted that his administration is working to provide basic amenities for island residents to support emerging economic activities and improve living conditions.
He commended the Nigerian Navy for its role in strengthening the state’s security, adding that collaboration among security agencies has helped maintain relative peace in Ogun State.
Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence that Ogun State would benefit from enhanced security and progress under his leadership.
“We are happy that someone with your antecedents, background, training and experience is occupying this position at this time. You are a round peg in a round hole,” the governor said.
Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as critical to Nigeria’s national security and revealed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island will be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s oil potential.
He explained that the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and Ogun State Government, noting that part of his duty is to safeguard Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.
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