Gov. Abiodun Defends Role in Dangote Refinery Exit, Says Ogun Deep Sea Port Project Remains on Track

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has dismissed claims linking his administration to the relocation of the Dangote Refinery project from Ogun State to Lagos, maintaining that the decision was made before he assumed office and insisting that he made efforts to retain the multi-billion-dollar investment in the State.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the proposed Deep Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing it as a transformational project that will significantly boost the state’s economy and strengthen its position as a major commercial hub in West Africa.

Abiodun made the remarks during the commissioning of the six-kilometre Stadium–Luba–Tam Balogun Road in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, the Governor stated that the Deep Sea Port project remains a top priority of his administration and is progressing as planned.

According to him, the facility is expected to become one of the deepest and longest ports in Sub-Saharan Africa upon completion.

“We are working tirelessly on our port project. The Deep Sea Port is on course, and Ogun State will have one of the deepest and longest ports in Sub-Saharan Africa, if not the entire continent.

“It will boast the longest berth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Very soon, we will unveil full details of the project,” Abiodun said.

The Governor also revealed that oil exploration and drilling activities have commenced in Eba, located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, as part of efforts to actualise his vision of making Ogun an oil-producing state.

He recalled making the promise during his election campaign and noted that although the state has long possessed oil deposits, previous administrations were unable to develop the resource commercially.

“During my campaign, I promised that Ogun State would become an oil-producing state under my administration. The oil we are now working to establish in commercial quantities has always been here.

“Previous administrations had the opportunity, but it is under my tenure that meaningful progress is being made,” he stated.

Addressing recent criticism on social media regarding the Dangote Refinery project, Abiodun challenged those accusing him of allowing the refinery to leave Ogun State, stressing that the relocation occurred before he became governor.

He argued that the responsibility for the project’s departure rests with those who were in charge of the state at the time.

“A few days ago, I saw reports on social media claiming that just as Dapo Abiodun allowed the refinery project to leave Ogun State, he has also abandoned the Deep Sea Port project.

“First, was I the governor when the refinery was moved to Lagos? If anything, I did everything within my capacity to retain the refinery in Ogun State, but others, through their irresponsibility, allowed the project to slip away,” he said.

The governor highlighted several major projects and achievements recorded by his administration in Ogun East Senatorial District, including the federal takeover of the Tai Solarin University of Education, the development of a Dry Port, ongoing oil exploration activities, and the reconstruction of the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode Expressway.

Abiodun further disclosed that more than 26 roads have been completed in Ijebu-Ode since his administration declared an emergency on road infrastructure in the area, while 12 additional road projects are currently under construction.

He urged residents to protect public infrastructure and avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels, noting that the newly commissioned road was funded with taxpayers’ money.

The Governor expressed optimism that the road project would improve transportation, stimulate economic activities, and enhance the living conditions of residents.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the road project reflects the administration’s commitment to delivering durable and high-quality infrastructure across the state.

He explained that the project includes reinforced concrete drains, kerbs, and road markings designed to improve safety and longevity.

Also speaking, the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, described Governor Abiodun as a “silent achiever,” noting that initiatives such as the Deep Sea Port and Dry Port projects are reshaping Ogun State’s economic future.

The Chairman of the Ogun State Elders Council, Chief Olusegun Okuboyejo, commended the governor for ensuring equitable distribution of development projects across various parts of the state and pledged continued support for the administration.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, said the local government area has experienced unprecedented infrastructural growth under the current administration, adding that the projects have positively impacted economic activities.

On behalf of traditional rulers present at the event, the Elese of Ilese, Oba Obayomi Olufemi, praised the governor for the ongoing transformation across Ijebuland and encouraged him to sustain the pace of development through the execution of more people-oriented projects and the completion of ongoing initial