President Bola Tinubu’s permission of the start of commercial oil drilling at Eba, Ogun Waterside, is expected to bring Ogun State’s long-awaited status as an oil-producing state to fruition.
Governor Dapo Abiodun revealed this yesterday during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, with Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, and senior officers of the command.
After years of suspense around the multibillion-dollar port development, the governor also said that President Tinubu has authorized the immediate takeoff of the Olokola Deep Seaport project, which is located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, according to Channels TV.
He said the president is particularly interested in both projects.
He pointed out that commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would encourage participation and economic empowerment for the people living in the coastal towns, while the Olokola Deep Seaport would greatly relieve traffic in the Lagos ports.
“I would like to inform you that the President has authorized the start of commercial oil drilling operations on Tongeji Island. As a result, you will see a lot of activity there going forward,” the governor stated.
“After being on the drawing board for a number of years, our proposed Olokola Port is finally back on the table. Since this is all Mr. President’s initiative, I would want to express my gratitude. We have had multiple discussions on Olokola in the past two weeks alone, and Mr. President has made it apparent that he wants to see the port developed.
President Tinubu specifically ordered that the port’s construction be completed by the end of this year, Governor Abiodun added, emphasizing that the project offers a great chance to relieve congestion in the ports of Lagos, especially since the coastal road now serves as a backup logistics route.
In keeping with its advantageous coastline position and enormous economic and commercial potential, he also revealed that the new harbor would be called the Blue Marine Economic Zone.
The governor praised the Nigerian Navy for building a Forward Operations Base on Tongeji Island, pointing out that the naval presence will deter attempts to compromise Nigeria’s territorial integrity and aid prevent infiltration from the neighboring Benin Republic.
In keeping with initiatives to enhance living conditions and foster new economic ventures, he also revealed that his administration is working to provide the island’s citizens with basic facilities.
Governor Abiodun noted that cooperation between security agencies has helped maintain the relative tranquility now enjoyed in Ogun State and thanked the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to the state’s security architecture.
The governor praised Rear Admiral Mustapha as an experienced and successful officer and said he was confident that Ogun State will see increased security and advancement under his direction.
We are pleased that someone with your expertise, training, background, and antecedents is currently holding this role. The governor remarked, “You are a round peg in a round hole.”
The navy station at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base because of the region’s substantial oil potential, according to Rear Admiral Mustapha, who had characterized Ogun State as crucial and vital to Nigeria’s national security.
He added that protecting Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and preventing criminal elements from establishing a foothold in the state were among his duties, and that the visit was intended to improve coordination between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State government.
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