Tinubu Approves Oil Drilling in Ogun Waterside, Revives Olokola Deep Seaport as Blue Marine Economic Zone — Abiodun

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Ogun State is on the brink of a major economic transformation following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

Governor Dapo Abiodun made the disclosure on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, alongside senior officers, during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

In what he described as a historic breakthrough, the governor also announced that President Tinubu has given the green light for the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project, ending years of uncertainty surrounding the multibillion-dollar development.

According to Abiodun, both projects enjoy the personal attention of the President, noting that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would ease congestion at Lagos ports and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime capacity, commercial oil drilling at Eba would unlock economic opportunities and empower coastal communities.

“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Eba, Ogun Waterside. Going forward, Nigerians will begin to witness significant activities in that area,” the governor said.

He added that the Olokola port project, which had remained on the drawing board for several years, has now been firmly repositioned as a priority of the Federal Government.

“Our proposed Olokola Deep Seaport is now fully back on the table. This is solely Mr President’s initiative. In just the last two weeks, several high-level meetings have been held, and Mr President has clearly demonstrated his determination to see this project become a reality,” Abiodun stated.

The governor revealed that President Tinubu has directed that construction of the port should be substantially advanced between now and next year, stressing that the project would significantly decongest Lagos ports, especially with the coastal road offering an alternative logistics corridor.

Abiodun further disclosed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, a name that reflects its strategic coastal location and immense economic and commercial potential.

Commending the Nigerian Navy, the governor praised the establishment of a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, saying the naval presence would help prevent cross-border infiltration from the Republic of Benin and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He also revealed that the Ogun State Government is working to provide basic social amenities for residents of the island, in line with efforts to improve living standards and support emerging economic activities in the area.

Abiodun lauded the Nigerian Navy’s contribution to the state’s security architecture, noting that sustained collaboration among security agencies has helped maintain the relative peace currently enjoyed in Ogun State.
Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as an experienced and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence that Ogun State would witness improved security and steady progress under his leadership.

“We are confident that someone with your background, training, and experience is well suited for this role at this critical time. You are truly a round peg in a round hole,” the governor said.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as critical to Nigeria’s national security architecture, revealing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s vast oil potential.

He said the visit was aimed at strengthening synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that part of his mandate is to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders with the Republic of Benin and prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.