Abiodun Clarifies Ogun Oil Exploration, Reassures Residents on Safety

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, clarified that oil exploration in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, including Tongegi Island, is being handled by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), not the Ogun State Government.

The Governor warned against attempts to create discord among residents over the oil exploration activities. He explained that hydrocarbon deposits have been identified in some areas, but commercial viability has not yet been confirmed.

Allegations of diversion of funds meant for oil exploration were dismissed as false, misleading, and politically motivated.

Abiodun said the discovery followed reports of crude-like substances naturally seeping from the ground, prompting technical investigations by NNPCL. “After preliminary tests, they informed me that oil had been discovered in Ogun State.

However, drilling is required to determine whether it exists in commercial quantity, and that process was duly approved by Mr. President,” the Governor said.

He also highlighted security measures around the drilling site, including the establishment of a Naval Forward Operating Base on Tongegi Island to protect critical national assets.

The Chief of Naval Staff approved the base to strengthen Nigeria’s territorial and security presence in the Area.

The Governor expressed concern over misrepresentation of his remarks by some media outlets, which led to public controversy.

He clarified that commercial drilling has not commenced, stressing that current indications are only preliminary, not confirmation of commercially viable oil.

Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for plans to revive the Olokola Deep Sea Port, noting that visible progress on the project is expected within the next year and will significantly enhance Ogun State’s economic outlook.