President Bola Tinubu has given approval for the start of commercial oil exploration at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Governor Dapo Abiodun made this disclosure on Thursday while hosting the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and other senior naval officers during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He also announced that the President had authorised the immediate commencement of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, hailing the move as a significant breakthrough after years of delays around the multibillion-dollar project.

Abiodun said both projects were of particular importance to President Tinubu, explaining that the Olokola Deep Seaport would help ease congestion at the Lagos ports, while commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would drive inclusion and economic empowerment for coastal communities.

“Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there.

“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. I want to sincerely thank Mr President because this is solely his initiative. In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality”, the governor said.

Abiodun further said the President had directed that construction of the port should be well advanced between now and next year, noting that the project would significantly ease pressure on the Lagos ports, especially with the coastal road providing an alternative logistics route.

He also revealed that the new seaport would be called the Blue Marine Economic Zone, a name that reflects its strategic coastal location and significant economic potential.

The governor praised the Nigerian Navy for setting up a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, saying the naval presence would help curb infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic and deter threats to Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He added that his administration was providing basic amenities for island residents to improve living conditions and support growing economic activities.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as vital and strategic to Nigeria’s national security, revealing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base in view of the area’s oil potential.