Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has urged against efforts to sow division among the people of Tongegi Island and other residents across the state over the ongoing oil exploration in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Abiodun stated while inaugurating the Abeokuta-Obalende and Osinubi New Roads in Ijebu-Ode.
He clarified that the oil drilling activities are being carried out by the Federal Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and not by the Ogun State Government, as some have claimed.
The governor explained that while hydrocarbon deposits have been identified in parts of Ogun Waterside, including Tongegi Island, it is still uncertain whether they are commercially viable.
Abiodun also dismissed claims suggesting that funds allocated for oil exploration had been misappropriated, labeling such accusations as misleading and politically driven.
He elaborated that the discovery followed reports of crude-like substances seeping from the ground, prompting technical investigations by the NNPCL.
“After conducting initial tests, they informed me that oil had been discovered in Ogun State. However, further drilling is needed to determine if it exists in commercially viable quantities, and this process has been authorized by the President,” he said.
The governor also noted that security around the drilling site has been strengthened, with a Naval Base now established near the oil well to protect national resources.
Abiodun expressed concern over what he described as the misrepresentation of his remarks in some media outlets, which, according to him, led to unnecessary controversy.
“At no point did I state that commercial drilling had begun at Tongegi Island. What we have are promising signs, but not a confirmed commercial quantity,” he emphasized.
He revealed that a Naval post has also been set up on Tongegi Island, with approval from the Chief of Naval Staff to establish a Forward Operating Base to reinforce Nigeria’s territorial presence in the region.
The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for his support of the Olokola Deep Sea Port project, which he believes will significantly boost the state’s economy. Abiodun noted that the President has directed visible progress on the project within the coming year.
On the subject of infrastructure, Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving road networks throughout the state, emphasizing that his government’s response to criticism is action and performance, rather than rhetoric.
