In a statement issued on Thursday, the governor described the approval as a major milestone for the state’s economic future, particularly for its coastal communities.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, a development that positions Ogun on the path to becoming an oil-producing state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the governor described the approval as a major milestone for the state’s economic future, particularly for its coastal communities.
“We are pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that our dear President and leader, @officialABAT, has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, positioning Ogun State on a clear path towards becoming an oil-producing state.
"This landmark approval represents a major breakthrough for our coastal communities and signals a new era of inclusion, economic opportunity, and sustainable development,” Abiodun said.
The governor also disclosed that President Tinubu has given the green light for the immediate commencement of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
“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,” he stated.
According to Abiodun, the seaport project, now designated as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, is expected to play a transformative role in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector.
“After many years of anticipation, this multibillion-dollar initiative has now been firmly activated. 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, especially with the coastal highway now providing an alternative logistics corridor,” the governor added.
Abiodun further commended the Nigerian Navy for boosting security in the area with the establishment of a Forward Operations Base on Tongeji Island.
“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 said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, the governor assured residents of island communities of continued 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," the Ogun state governor noted.