Tinubu approves commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, Ogun

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.

The governor made this known 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 his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun also disclosed that the President has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, ending years of delays around the multibillion-dollar project.

According to the governor, both initiatives are of direct interest to President Tinubu. He said the Olokola Deep Seaport would ease pressure on Lagos ports, while oil drilling at Tongeji Island would create economic opportunities for coastal communities.

“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island. In the coming months, there will be visible activities in that area,” Abiodun said.

He added that the Olokola port project, which had remained stalled for years, has now received renewed federal backing.

“Our Olokola Port is back on the table. This is entirely Mr President’s initiative. In the last two weeks, we have held several meetings on the project, and the President has made it clear that he wants it delivered,” the governor stated.

Abiodun said President Tinubu directed that construction work on the port should record significant progress between now and next year, noting that the project would benefit from the ongoing coastal road, which offers an alternative logistics route.

He further revealed that the seaport would operate under the name *Blue Marine Economic Zone*, reflecting its coastal position and economic scope.

The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, describing it as critical to preventing cross-border infiltration from the Republic of Benin and protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters.

He also said the state government is working to extend basic amenities to island communities to support development and improve living conditions as economic activities expand.

Abiodun acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in maintaining stability across Ogun State, attributing the prevailing calm to sustained inter-agency cooperation.

Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as an experienced and capable officer, the governor expressed confidence that security in the state would be further strengthened under his leadership.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to national security, noting that the naval presence at Tongeji Island would be expanded due to the area’s oil prospects.

He said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that the Western Naval Command remains focused on securing Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and preventing criminal activities within the state.