Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the immediate take-off of the long-delayed Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, a development expected to transform Nigeria’s maritime and logistics landscape.
Governor Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday in Abeokuta while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, and other senior naval officers at his office.
According to the governor, the Olokola Deep Seaport, which will operate as part of the proposed Blue Marine Economic Zone, has been revived following a series of engagements with President Tinubu, bringing renewed momentum to a multibillion-dollar project that has remained on the drawing board for several years.
He said the president has shown strong personal interest in the project, describing its revival as a strategic move to decongest the overstretched Lagos ports and create an alternative logistics corridor along the nation’s coastline.
“The Olokola Deep Seaport project, which has been delayed for many years, has now been revived after several meetings with Mr President. In the last two weeks alone, we have had extensive discussions, and he has clearly expressed his determination to see the port become a reality,” Abiodun said.
The governor explained that the seaport would leverage the ongoing coastal road project to enhance cargo movement, boost trade, and stimulate economic activities across Ogun State and the wider South-West region.
Abiodun also revealed that President Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area, noting that both the oil project and the Olokola Deep Seaport align with the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda.
He added that the establishment of a Forward Operations Base by the Nigerian Navy at Tongeji Island would strengthen maritime security around the Olokola axis, protect critical infrastructure, and prevent cross-border criminal activities from neighbouring Benin Republic.
The governor assured that the Ogun State Government is working to provide basic amenities for coastal communities, particularly around Tongeji Island and Olokola, to improve living conditions and support emerging economic opportunities linked to the seaport.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as strategically important to Nigeria’s maritime and national security architecture, noting that the oil and gas potential of the state, combined with planned port developments such as Olokola, positions it as a key driver of Nigeria’s Blue Economy aspirations.
He said the Nigerian Navy would continue to intensify operations across the western maritime corridor to ensure security for upcoming ports and critical maritime infrastructure.
