President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted formal approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island and the immediate take off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun State. Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the executive approval on Thursday, 22 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state’s long-standing pursuit of oil-producing status and maritime expansion.
The Governor disclosed this development while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, at the State House in Abeokuta. The projects, now integrated into a broader strategic framework known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, are expected to stimulate significant economic activity along the state’s coastal corridors and provide a vital alternative to the congested ports in Lagos.
Commercial Oil Drilling at Tongeji Island
The approval for commercial oil extraction at Tongeji Island, located in the Ipokia Local Government Area, is set to transition Ogun State into a petroleum producing entity. Tongeji Island, a 200 hectare territory situated near the border with the Republic of Benin, has long been identified as a high potential zone for crude oil deposits.
To secure this emerging energy hub, the Nigerian Navy has upgraded its presence on the island to a Forward Operations Base (FOB). According to Rear Admiral Mustapha, this strategic deployment is designed to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, prevent cross border infiltration, and provide a secure environment for upcoming oil and gas activities.
Olokola Deep Seaport: The Blue Marine Economic Zone
President Tinubu’s directive for the immediate initiation of the Olokola Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area effectively revives a multibillion dollar project that has faced administrative delays for several years. The President has reportedly instructed that construction progress should be “far advanced” by the end of 2026.
Key highlights of the seaport project include:
- Logistics Integration: The port will leverage the ongoing coastal road project as an alternative logistics corridor, facilitating the movement of goods and reducing pressure on the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
- Economic Impact: Renamed the Blue Marine Economic Zone, the facility is designed to serve as a comprehensive industrial hub, attracting foreign direct investment and promoting economic inclusion for coastal communities.
- Presidential Oversight: Governor Abiodun noted that the President has taken a personal interest in the port’s revival, holding several high level meetings over the past two weeks to ensure the project’s viability.
Security and Infrastructure Support
The Ogun State Government is concurrently working to provide basic amenities for the residents of Tongeji Island, who have historically relied on neighbouring Benin Republic for essential services. By improving living conditions and infrastructure, the administration aims to support the influx of workers and security personnel expected as drilling operations begin.
The dual approval of oil drilling and deep seaport construction represents a fundamental shift in Ogun State’s economic profile. For investors and policymakers, the creation of the Blue Marine Economic Zone signals a robust commitment to the federal government’s Blue Economy aspirations. If construction timelines are met, the state is poised to become a critical node in Nigeria’s maritime and energy security architecture, providing a necessary counterbalance to the logistics bottleneck in Lagos State
