President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the start of commercial oil drilling on Tongeji Island in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made this announcement on Thursday when he welcomed Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, the Flag Officer Commanding of the Western Naval Command, along with senior officers from the command, who visited his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor additionally disclosed that the president has sanctioned the prompt commencement of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, calling the decision a significant advancement after years of expectation regarding the multibillion-dollar port initiative.
Abiodun remarked that both projects captured President Tinubu’s particular attention, highlighting that the Olokola Deep Seaport would greatly alleviate congestion at Lagos ports, whereas commercial oil drilling on Tongeji Island would foster inclusion and economic upliftment for coastal community residents.
“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 went on to say that the President had specifically directed that construction of the port be far advanced between now and next year, emphasizing that the project presents a strong opportunity to decongest the Lagos ports, particularly with the coastal road serving as an alternative logistics corridor.
He also revealed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and vast economic potential.
The governor praised the Nigerian Navy for building a Forward Operations Base on Tongeji Island, stating that the naval presence will help prevent infiltration from the neighboring Republic of Benin and deter attempts to undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He also stated that his administration was working to provide basic utilities to island people as part of measures to enhance living circumstances and promote new economic activity.
Abiodun praised the Nigerian Navy for its commitment to the state’s security architecture, stating that collaboration across security services has helped to maintain the relative tranquility currently enjoyed in Ogun State.
The governor described Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and successful officer and expressed confidence that Ogun State’s security and progress will improve under his supervision.
“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.
Previously, Rear Admiral Mustapha defined Ogun State as essential and strategic to Nigeria’s national security, revealing that the naval outpost on Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the region’s oil potential.
He added that the visit was intended to increase collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, and that part of his responsibilities included protecting Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and preventing criminal groups from establishing a foothold in the state.
