Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State says President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling in the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a post on Wednesday, Abiodun said the president authorised oil production activities in Eba, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, marking a major breakthrough for the state.
“We are pleased to inform the people of Ogun State that President @officialABAT, GCFR has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba, Ogun Waterside, placing our state firmly on the path to becoming an oil-producing state,” he wrote on X.
“This approval marks a major milestone for our coastal communities and opens new opportunities for inclusion, economic empowerment, and development.”
The governor also disclosed that Tinubu approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside, which will be developed as the Blue Marine Economic Zone.
“The seaport… will significantly decongest the Lagos ports, unlock vast commercial potential, and fully leverage our strategic coastal advantage, especially with the coastal road now providing an alternative logistics corridor,” Abiodun said.
He also commended the Nigerian Navy for upgrading its presence at Tongeji Island into a Forward Operations Base, saying it will strengthen border security and protect emerging economic activities.
Abiodun said his administration remains committed to providing basic amenities for coastal communities and to deepening collaboration with security agencies to sustain peace and stability in the state.
In June 2024, the Ogun government said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited was set to begin oil and gas exploration in the state.
Earlier, in January 2023, Abiodun had announced plans to explore oil prospects in Tongeji Island and Olokola.
