President Tinubu approves commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ogun State, paving the way for it to become an oil-producing state
Tinubu Greenlights Oil Drilling in Ogun: Tongeji Island Set for Commercial Production + Olokola Seaport Revival
Ogun State is gearing up to become Nigeria’s newest oil-producing state after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted approval for the start of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made the exciting revelation on Thursday, January 22, 2026, during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, by Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, and senior naval officers.
In a major double win for the state, the governor also confirmed President Tinubu’s personal directive to revive and fast-track the long-stalled Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area—now rebranded as the Blue Marine Economic Zone.
“Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see significant activities there,” Abiodun said.
He highlighted that the Olokola project, dormant for years, has been revived solely due to the President’s strong commitment. “In the last two weeks, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has made it clear that he wants to see this port become a reality,” the governor added.
President Tinubu has directed that substantial progress on the seaport construction occur between now and next year. The project will leverage the newly built coastal road as an alternative logistics route, helping to ease severe congestion at Lagos ports while unlocking huge commercial, industrial, and maritime opportunities for Ogun and surrounding regions.
Abiodun emphasized that both initiatives—oil drilling and the Blue Marine Economic Zone—carry the President’s direct backing and will drive economic inclusion, job creation, and development, especially for coastal communities.
The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing and upgrading a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island. This strategic move will bolster border security with the Republic of Benin, prevent cross-border infiltration, protect territorial integrity, and safeguard emerging oil and economic activities.
He reassured Tongeji Island residents that his administration is committed to delivering basic amenities to enhance living standards and support new economic opportunities.
Abiodun praised ongoing security collaboration across agencies for maintaining peace in Ogun State and described Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned leader under whom the state will see enhanced security and progress.
Rear Admiral Mustapha, in response, underscored Ogun’s strategic importance to national security. He confirmed the naval outpost upgrade at Tongeji amid the oil prospects and reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to securing the Benin border and curbing criminal activities in the state. These approvals represent a game-changing boost for Ogun State’s economy, positioning it for energy production, maritime growth, infrastructure advancement, and broader national benefits under the Tinubu administration.
