Ogun State is on the verge of joining Nigeria’s oil-producing states following a strategic inspection of the Eba oil well in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area by a technical team from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The visit, sanctioned under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for full-scale exploration, marks a significant step toward commercial drilling operations outside the traditional Niger Delta region.

The high-level delegation, which included officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and national security agencies, assessed the operational readiness, technical infrastructure, and regulatory compliance of the site. The team was led by Hussein Aliyu, Project Coordinator for Enserv, and comprised experts ensuring that engineering, operational, and safety standards are fully met before production begins.

Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed the development as a historic milestone for Ogun State. “This is a major breakthrough that will stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and attract increased federal presence to our coastal axis,” he stated, noting that the Eba oil well will position Ogun as a strategic player in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Geological surveys have confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in the Ogun Waterside corridor, and the state government conducted independent verification to affirm that the oil lies within Ogun’s territorial boundaries. Security measures have been robust, with naval personnel stationed at the site for over 18 months to protect the facility and surrounding communities.

The Eba oil well aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to diversify crude oil production through frontier basins, with the next phase focusing on regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, community engagement, and commercial operations.

Governor Abiodun also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting the development of frontier oil basins, emphasizing the expected benefits: industrial growth, job creation, and long-term economic prosperity for Ogun State. The Eba project is set to mark a transformative chapter in the state’s economic and industrial landscape.