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President Tinubu approves commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, Ogun Waterside
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Olokola Deep Seaport project revived to decongest Lagos ports
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Navy strengthens security presence over oil and maritime assets
Ogun State is set to join Nigeria’s oil-producing states following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed the development on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
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The governor also revealed that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project, describing it as a major breakthrough for the state and the country after years of stalled plans.
According to Abiodun, both projects are of strategic interest to the President, noting that the Olokola port would significantly ease congestion at the Lagos ports, while oil drilling activities would stimulate economic inclusion and development in coastal communities.
“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, there will be increased economic activities in the area,” the governor said.
He added that the Olokola Deep Seaport, which has remained on the drawing board for years, has now received renewed presidential backing, with directives that construction should advance substantially within the next year.
Abiodun explained that the port, to be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, would leverage the ongoing coastal road project to enhance logistics and maritime trade.
The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, saying the move would strengthen border security, prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic, and protect Nigeria’s territorial waters.
He further disclosed that the state government is working to provide essential amenities for residents of the island to support emerging economic activities linked to oil exploration and port development.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategically important to Nigeria’s national security, noting that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded due to the area’s oil potential.
He said the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government to safeguard maritime assets and secure the nation’s borders.
