Ogun Deep Sea Port on Course As Crude Discovery Boosts Waterside Prospects – Abiodun

By Joseph Sunday

OGUN WATERSIDE — Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has revealed that the long-stalled Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas, OKLNG, project is set for a comeback, as his administration moves to reposition Ogun Waterside as Nigeria’s next industrial and maritime corridor.

Abiodun disclosed this on Friday in Ogun Waterside during the commissioning of the reconstructed Gao–Ibiade Road, which he described as strategic infrastructure to prepare the coastal axis for increased industrial and commercial activity.

According to the governor, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has notified the state government of its decision to revive the multi-billion-dollar OKLNG project.

He said the proposed Ogun Deep Sea Port also remains on course, describing it as one of Africa’s most strategic maritime infrastructure projects, with concrete steps already being taken to deliver it.

Abiodun added that the discovery of premium-grade crude oil in the area has further boosted Ogun Waterside’s investment profile, with plans for a refinery, a deep seaport, a naval base and a dockyard that will transform the local government into a major oil, gas and logistics hub.

“The reconstruction of the Gao–Ibiade Road is part of the critical infrastructure required to support this expected economic expansion. We are preparing for the imminent explosion of economic activities in this local government. Ogun Waterside is a jewel that must be fully tapped,” Abiodun said.

The governor said his administration has delivered significant infrastructure across the state in the last seven years and remains committed to even development across all 20 local government areas.

He announced that reconstruction of the J4–Gao Road will commence soon, with the project extending to Abigi, the headquarters of Ogun Waterside Local Government, to further open up the coastal corridor.

Abiodun noted that Ogun Waterside, which long suffered from poor infrastructure, is steadily emerging as a strategic investment destination for the state and the country.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the Gao–Ibiade Road, which was in deplorable condition for years, was rebuilt to durable standards to stimulate economic activity and improve connectivity.

The member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, commended the governor for the intervention and appealed for the reconstruction of the J4 Junction–Iwopin Road, as well as a second phase of the Gao–Ibiade Road.

Also speaking, the member representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency, Hon. Shamsideen Adekunle Lawal, praised the governor for extending infrastructure to the area. 

He noted that work has commenced on the Deep Sea Port and Naval Base projects, while oil exploration activities are already underway.