President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling in Ogun State and authorised the take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project, signalling a major boost for economic development and infrastructure expansion in the southwestern region of Nigeria.
The announcement was made by Governor Dapo Abiodun during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, to his office in Abeokuta, Ogun State. According to the governor, President Tinubu’s directive will now pave the way for significant commercial activities in the state’s coastal communities. )
Under the new directive, oil exploration and drilling operations are set to begin at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area, a step that positions Ogun among the country’s emerging oil-producing states. Governor Abiodun described the approval as a landmark achievement that will drive economic inclusion and unlock opportunities for local communities, especially those along the coast. He said that the oil activities will catalyse job creation and bolster development in the region.
In addition to the oil initiative, President Tinubu has cleared the Olokola Deep Seaport project for immediate take-off. Situated in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, the deep seaport had been stalled for years despite its potential to reshape Nigeria’s maritime and logistics landscape. Governor Abiodun emphasised the strategic importance of the port, noting that it will help decongest the Lagos ports, which have long struggled with traffic and capacity challenges.
The new seaport — to be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone — is expected to become a central logistics hub, leveraging the recently constructed coastal road as an alternative transport corridor that links the port to inland markets. Officials believe this economic zone will attract investment, stimulate trade and support industrial activities, helping to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond traditional sectors.
Governor Abiodun also praised the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, underscoring the significance of strengthened security for protecting economic interests and deterring unlawful activities, especially along the maritime border near the Republic of Benin. Enhanced security measures are seen as critical to safeguarding both existing and emerging commercial operations in the region.
The dual approvals reflect President Tinubu’s broader push to accelerate infrastructure projects and unlock new revenue streams across Nigeria. By extending support to projects that combine energy development with logistics expansion, the federal government aims to stimulate growth, improve competitiveness and foster inclusive economic development at both local and national levels. Analysts say these initiatives may also attract foreign investment and enhance Nigeria’s standing in West Africa’s oil and maritime sectors.
Local reactions have been largely positive, with residents and business leaders welcoming the prospects of economic growth, new employment opportunities and improved trade capacity. Community leaders, especially in coastal areas, expressed optimism that the commencement of oil drilling and the deep seaport project will bring tangible benefits to their constituencies.
As implementation begins, stakeholders will be watching closely how the coordinated efforts between federal and state governments, security agencies and the private sector will shape the future of Ogun’s economy and contribute to Nigeria’s broader national development agenda.
