Gov. Abiodun: Oil Drilling, Olokola Seaport to Redefine Ogun’s Economic Future
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba and the renewed push to actualise the Olokola Deep Seaport will significantly redefine the economic future of the state and unlock the vast potential of its coastal axis.
The Governor stated this at the weekend while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil exploration at Eba in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, describing the approval as a major breakthrough after years of ожидation and planning. He said the development would formally place Ogun State among Nigeria’s oil-producing States.
According to the Governor, oil drilling activities at Eba will stimulate economic growth in riverine communities, create employment opportunities, and make the state eligible for the 13 per cent derivation fund, which can be deployed for infrastructure and social development. He added that the area also holds prospects for bitumen extraction.
On maritime development, Abiodun said the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project has received renewed Federal backing and is now being actively pursued. He noted that several strategic meetings have been held in recent weeks, with President Tinubu expressing a clear desire to see the port come to fruition.
The Governor explained that the Olokola Deep Seaport, designed as a Blue Marine Economic Zone, is expected to become operational next year. The deep-water facility will accommodate large vessels, decongest the Lagos ports, reduce demurrage costs through its Free Trade Zone status, and position Ogun State as a major maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.
Abiodun also highlighted the security benefits of the projects, stating that the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island will enhance coastal surveillance from Ogun to Edo State. He said the State Government provided land for the naval base to strengthen maritime security and prevent cross-border infiltration.
He further stated that the seaport would generate substantial revenue for the state through trade, logistics, leases, and royalties, while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the maritime value chain.
The Governor linked the oil and seaport projects to the State’s wider infrastructure investments, including the Gateway International Airport and Aerotropolis at Iperu-Ilishan, which has a 4-kilometre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft for cargo operations, agricultural exports, and logistics services.
Abiodun stressed that the initiatives align with his administration’s ISEYA agenda, aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and positioning Ogun State as a prime investment destination. He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to working with the Federal Government, Security Agencies, and private investors to ensure the successful delivery of the projects.
