Ogun State is poised to become an oil-producing state following President Bola Tinubu's approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling. Governor Dapo Abiodun announced this significant development, confirming that oil drilling operations are set to begin at Eba, located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, and also specifically at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area. This approval marks a pivotal moment for the state's coastal communities, promising new opportunities for inclusion, economic empowerment, and overall development, as highlighted by Governor Abiodun in various statements and posts.

Alongside the oil drilling initiative, President Tinubu has also granted approval for the immediate take-off of the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project, also situated in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. This major infrastructure project, now officially known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, is expected to significantly decongest the existing ports in Lagos. It aims to unlock vast commercial potential, leveraging Ogun State's strategic coastal advantage, especially with the coastal road providing an alternative logistics corridor. Governor Abiodun emphasized that both the oil drilling and the seaport projects hold special interest for the President, who has directed that construction work on the port should be significantly advanced between now and next year.

Tongeji Island, a key location for the approved oil drilling, is a small island situated along waterways near Nigeria's border with the Republic of Benin. Historically, access to the island from the Nigerian mainland has been challenging, primarily reachable by water. The island, roughly 200 hectares in size, hosts a small resident population and is known for its relative isolation, surrounded by water and mangrove vegetation. Due to its proximity to Benin Republic – reportedly just five minutes by boat from Port-Novo – locals have often had to cross the border for basic services, including healthcare, owing to a lack of infrastructure on the island itself. Tongeji Island is reputed to hold crude oil deposits, which have now attracted government interest for commercial extraction.

To bolster security and protect these emerging economic assets, the Nigerian Navy has established and is upgrading its operational presence at Tongeji Island to a Forward Operations Base. This move is deemed critical for strengthening border security, preventing infiltration from neighboring Benin Republic, and safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity. Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, reaffirmed Ogun State’s strategic importance to national security given its coastal and border locations and pledged continued collaboration with the state government to enhance security and support economic development initiatives. Governor Abiodun commended the Navy's efforts, noting that collaboration among security agencies contributes to the peace and stability enjoyed in the state.

The Ogun State government remains dedicated to providing basic amenities for its coastal communities and deepening collaboration with security agencies. Earlier reports indicated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited was set to begin oil and gas exploration in the state in June 2024, and in January 2023, Governor Abiodun had expressed plans to explore oil prospects in Tongeji Island and Olokola. These recent approvals by President Tinubu solidify these long-standing ambitions, setting Ogun State on a transformative path towards economic growth and strategic importance.