President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, alongside the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this 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 the Government House in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, both projects are of special interest to President Tinubu and form part of his broader economic and infrastructure development agenda. Abiodun explained that commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would promote inclusion and economic empowerment for coastal communities, while the Olokola Deep Seaport would play a critical role in decongesting the Lagos ports.
He revealed that the President has directed that construction work on the Olokola project should be significantly advanced between now and next year. The governor described the development as a major breakthrough after years of delays surrounding the multibillion-dollar port project, adding that it would benefit from the ongoing coastal road as an alternative logistics corridor.
Abiodun further disclosed that the new port would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, highlighting its strategic coastal location and vast economic potential.
The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the presence would help prevent cross-border infiltration from the Republic of Benin and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He also assured residents of improved basic amenities as economic activities begin to emerge.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategic to national security, confirming plans to upgrade the naval outpost at Tongeji Island due to the area’s oil potential. He said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Navy and the state government to enhance security and border protection.
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