Wellington Jopelo
President Bola Tinubu has officially approved the start of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State, a move aimed at tapping the economic potential of the coastal region.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made the announcement on Thursday while hosting the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, along with senior naval officers, at his office in Abeokuta.
The governor also revealed that Tinubu has given the green light for the immediate commencement of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, ending years of uncertainty surrounding the multibillion-naira port initiative.
According to Abiodun, both projects are priorities for the President. The Olokola Deep Seaport is expected to relieve congestion at Lagos ports, while oil operations at Tongeji Island will create jobs and promote economic empowerment for local communities.
“President Tinubu has authorized the start of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, and activities will ramp up in the coming months,” the governor said. “The Olokola Port project, long on the drawing board, is now officially underway thanks to the President’s direct involvement.”
The new seaport, to be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, is designed to serve as a strategic coastal hub and an alternative logistics route to ease pressure on existing ports. Abiodun commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base on Tongeji Island, which will help protect Nigeria’s territorial waters and prevent illegal activities from the neighboring Republic of Benin.
The governor added that his administration is working to improve infrastructure and basic services on the island to support residents and the expected economic boom from oil and port operations.
Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as a critical area for national security, noting that the naval presence at Tongeji Island will be strengthened in light of the oil activities. He said the visit was aimed at fostering closer coordination between the Navy and the state government, while ensuring border protection and preventing criminal infiltration.
Abiodun praised the naval commander’s experience and leadership, expressing confidence that Ogun State will benefit from enhanced security and accelerated economic development under his guidance.