Ogun State is set to attain long-awaited oil-producing status following approval by President Bola Tinubu for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed 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.

The governor also announced that the president has approved the immediate take-off of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project, also located in Ogun Waterside, describing it as a major breakthrough after years of anticipation surrounding the multibillion-dollar development.

Abiodun said both the oil drilling initiative and the seaport project are of special interest to the president. He explained that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would help decongest Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would drive inclusion and economic empowerment in the state’s coastal communities.

“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,” the governor said.

“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.”

Abiodun added that President Tinubu has directed that construction work on the port should be significantly advanced between now and next year. He noted that the project presents a strong opportunity to decongest Lagos ports, especially with the coastal road now providing an alternative logistics corridor.

He further revealed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and extensive economic potential.

The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, saying the move would help prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He added that his administration is also working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island to improve living conditions and support emerging economic activities.

Abiodun praised the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to Ogun State’s security, noting that collaboration among security agencies has helped maintain the relative peace enjoyed in the state. Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned officer, he said Ogun would experience enhanced security under his leadership.

“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.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as critical to Nigeria’s national security, revealing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s oil potential. He said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that part of his mandate was to secure Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and prevent criminal activities in the state.