The Ogun State Government has officially commenced active oil exploration activities on Eba Island in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, marking a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward becoming one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states.
The development follows the Federal Government’s approval for frontier exploration after geological studies confirmed the presence of commercially viable hydrocarbon deposits in the area.
Preliminary activities, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), bathymetric, topographical and geotechnical surveys, have been successfully completed, while all statutory approvals have been secured. Civil works have commenced, and drilling equipment has been mobilised to the site as exploration enters a new phase.
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the commencement of exploration as a landmark achievement for Ogun State, saying the project is expected to unlock enormous economic opportunities through increased investment, job creation, infrastructure development and enhanced revenue generation.
He noted that the initiative would further strengthen Ogun’s position as an emerging player in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Technical teams comprising officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and other relevant agencies have continued preparations for commercial drilling, while security has been reinforced around the project site to ensure smooth operations.
The commencement of exploration also follows the Ogun State Government’s reaffirmation that Eba Island is located within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, maintaining that all federal approvals were granted after due verification of the oil well’s location.
Industry stakeholders believe that successful commercial production will place Ogun among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, diversify the nation’s crude oil production base and stimulate rapid economic growth across the state’s coastal communities.
The project is also expected to attract fresh investments into the oil and gas sector while creating new opportunities for businesses and host communities
