Abiodun says projects will boost coastal economy, decongest Lagos ports and deepen Nigeria’s maritime and energy capacity
President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba, located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State, marking a major milestone in the state’s economic development drive.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor also announced that the President has given approval for the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project, also situated in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. He described the development as a significant breakthrough for the multibillion-dollar project, which had remained stalled for several years.
According to Abiodun, both initiatives are of strategic importance to President Tinubu. He noted that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would help ease congestion at the Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would stimulate economic inclusion and create opportunities for residents of coastal communities.
“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and in the coming months, we expect to see increased activity in that area,” the governor said.
He added that the Olokola Deep Seaport project had been revived following renewed presidential interest and engagement.
“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for years, is now back on the table. I sincerely thank Mr President because this progress is largely driven by his commitment. In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and he has made it clear that the port must become a reality,” Abiodun said.
The governor disclosed that President Tinubu has directed that substantial progress should be made on the port’s construction between now and next year, stressing that the project presents a viable alternative for cargo movement, especially with the coastal road serving as an additional logistics corridor.
He further revealed that the new port would be developed under the name Blue Marine Economic Zone, a designation reflecting its coastal advantage and long-term economic potential.
Abiodun commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the presence of naval personnel would help secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and prevent infiltration from the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
He said his administration was also working to provide basic infrastructure and amenities for island communities to improve living standards and support emerging economic activities tied to oil and maritime development.
The governor praised the Navy’s role in maintaining security across the state, adding that effective collaboration among security agencies has contributed to the relative peace currently enjoyed in Ogun State.
Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as an experienced and capable officer, Abiodun expressed confidence that the state would witness enhanced security under his leadership.
“We are pleased that someone with your training, experience and track record is leading the Western Naval Command at this time. You are truly a round peg in a round hole,” he said.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategically important to Nigeria’s national security architecture. He disclosed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s emerging oil prospects.
He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that a key part of the command’s responsibility was to secure Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and prevent criminal activities in the coastal region.
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