Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, a development that places the state on the path to becoming an oil-producing hub.
The governor disclosed this in a post on his official Facebook page on Thursday evening, describing the approval as a landmark decision with far-reaching economic and social implications for Ogun State, particularly its coastal communities.
“We are pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that our dear President and leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, positioning Ogun State on a clear path towards becoming an oil-producing state,” Abiodun wrote.
He noted that the approval represents a major breakthrough for communities in the riverine areas of the state, adding that it signals “a new era of inclusion, economic opportunity, and sustainable development.”
In the same announcement, the governor confirmed that President Tinubu has also granted approval for the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
According to Abiodun, the project, which has been in the works for several years, has now been fully activated as a multibillion-dollar initiative aimed at transforming the state’s coastal economy.
“We also confirm that Mr President has granted approval for the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
“After many years of anticipation, this multibillion-dollar initiative has now been firmly activated,” he stated.
The governor revealed that the seaport will operate under the name Blue Marine Economic Zone and is expected to play a strategic role in easing pressure on existing ports in Lagos while opening up new commercial and industrial opportunities.
“The new seaport, to be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, will play a critical role in decongesting the Lagos ports, unlocking vast commercial and industrial opportunities, and fully harnessing our strategic coastal advantage,” Abiodun said.
He added that the recently developed coastal highway would further enhance the project by providing an alternative logistics corridor for the movement of goods and services.
Governor Abiodun also commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, describing it as a timely intervention to secure both the emerging oil operations and the nation’s maritime borders.
“We commend the Nigerian Navy for the establishment of a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, which will strengthen border security, protect emerging oil operations, and safeguard our territorial integrity,” he noted.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, the governor assured residents of island communities of sustained government support.
“As a responsible government, we remain committed to providing basic amenities for the island communities while deepening collaboration with security agencies to sustain the peace, safety, and stability that Ogun State continues to enjoy,” Abiodun added.
The approvals are expected to significantly boost Ogun State’s economic profile, expand revenue sources, and reinforce its strategic importance within Nigeria’s evolving blue and energy economies.