Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, a decision that places Ogun State on course to become Nigeria’s newest oil-producing state, while also giving a long-awaited green light to the Olokola Deep Seaport project.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed the twin approvals, describing them as historic breakthroughs for the state’s coastal economy and Nigeria’s broader energy and maritime ambitions.
“We are pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that our dear President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island,” Abiodun said.
“This landmark approval represents a major breakthrough for our coastal communities and signals a new era of inclusion, economic opportunity, and sustainable development.”
The governor confirmed that President Tinubu also approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, now designated as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, ending years of delays around the multibillion-dollar project.
“After many years of anticipation, this multibillion-dollar initiative has now been firmly activated,” Abiodun stated, adding that the port would “play a critical role in decongesting the Lagos ports and unlocking vast commercial and industrial opportunities,” he added.
He noted that the seaport’s viability is further strengthened by the ongoing coastal highway project, which provides an alternative logistics corridor for cargo evacuation and trade flows.
On security, Abiodun commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, describing it as critical to protecting emerging oil operations and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“The Forward Operations Base will strengthen border security, protect emerging oil operations, and safeguard our territorial integrity,” the governor said.
According to him, engagements are already underway to fast-track implementation of both projects, which are of “special interest” to President Tinubu, as Ogun State positions itself as a new hub for oil production, maritime trade, and coastal industrial development.
