By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, while also authorising the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
The approvals were disclosed on Thursday, 22 January, 2026 by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, alongside senior naval officers, to the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to Abiodun, the twin initiatives underscore the President’s resolve to drive economic growth, promote inclusion, and strengthen infrastructure, particularly in coastal communities.
He explained that while commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would stimulate economic empowerment for residents, the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly ease pressure on the congested Lagos ports.
“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there,” the governor said.
He further revealed that the Olokola Deep Seaport project, which had remained on the drawing board for several years, had now been revived through the President’s direct intervention.
Abiodun added that, in the past two weeks alone, multiple meetings had been held on the project, during which Tinubu clearly expressed his determination to see the multibillion-dollar port become a reality.
“Our proposed Olokola Port is now back on the table,” he said, noting that the President had specifically directed that construction should be significantly advanced between now and next year.
Additionally, the Governor stated that the port would play a critical role in decongesting the Lagos ports, particularly as the ongoing coastal road project would provide an alternative logistics corridor for cargo movement.
He disclosed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and vast economic potential.
Beyond infrastructure development, Abiodun disclosed that his administration was already working to provide basic amenities for residents of Tongeji Island.
He explained that the move was aimed at improving living conditions and supporting economic activities expected to emerge from oil exploration and maritime trade.
Meanwhile, the governor commended the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to Ogun State’s security architecture, noting that sustained collaboration among security agencies had helped maintain the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.
While describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, Abiodun expressed confidence that the state would witness enhanced security and development under his leadership. “We are happy that someone with your antecedents, background, training, and experience is occupying this position at this time. You are a round peg in a round hole,” he said.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as critical and strategic to Nigeria’s national security, owing to its coastal position and proximity to the Republic of Benin.
Consequently, he disclosed that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base in view of the area’s oil potential.
He explained that the visit was intended to strengthen synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government.
He added that safeguarding Nigeria’s western maritime border and preventing criminal elements from exploiting the state’s waterways remain core priorities of the command.
Overall, the presidential approvals mark a significant milestone for Ogun State, positioning it as an emerging hub for energy development, maritime trade, and coastal economic growth.
