Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun says the long-abandoned Olokola LNG project will be revived, as part of plans to position Ogun Waterside as Nigeria’s next industrial and maritime hub.
Speaking Friday at the commissioning of the reconstructed Gao-Ibiade Road, Abiodun said NNPC Ltd. has informed the state of plans to restart the multi-billion-dollar OKLNG project. He also reaffirmed commitment to the proposed Ogun Deep Sea Port.
The governor said crude oil discovered in the area has boosted investment prospects, with plans for a refinery, deep seaport, naval base and dockyard to transform the corridor into an oil, gas and logistics hub.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the proposed Ogun Deep Sea Port, assuring residents that the project remains on course and that concrete steps are being taken to actualise what he described as one of Africa’s most strategic maritime infrastructure projects.
The governor further revealed that the premium-grade crude oil discovered in the area has significantly strengthened Ogun Waterside’s investment prospects, with plans for a refinery, deep seaport, naval base and dockyard expected to transform the area into a major oil, gas and logistics hub.
According to him, the reconstruction of the Gao-Ibiade Road forms part of the critical infrastructure required to support the expected economic expansion, noting that improved road connectivity would facilitate investments and open up the coastal communities.
“We are preparing for the imminent explosion of economic activities that is about to happen in this local government area. Ogun Waterside is a jewel that must be fully tapped,” the governor said.
Abiodun noted that although his administration has recorded significant infrastructural development across Ogun State over the past seven years, it has remained committed to ensuring that the dividends of development are evenly distributed across all 20 local government areas.
He announced that the reconstruction of the J4-Gao Road would commence soon, with the project extending to Abigi, the headquarters of Ogun Waterside Local Government, to further improve access within the coastal corridor.
Reflecting on the area’s transformation, the governor recalled that Ogun Waterside had long suffered from poor infrastructure but expressed satisfaction that it is steadily emerging as a strategic investment destination capable of driving economic growth in Ogun State and Nigeria.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the Gao-Ibiade Road, which had remained in a deplorable condition for many years, was reconstructed to stimulate economic activities and improve connectivity, assuring residents that the project was executed to durable standards.
Also speaking, the member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, commended Governor Abiodun for the intervention and appealed for the reconstruction of the J4 Junction-Iwopin Road, as well as the second phase of the Gao-Ibiade Road, to further unlock the area’s economic potential.
Similarly, the member representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Shamsideen Adekunle Lawal, praised the governor for extending infrastructure development to the local government, noting that work has commenced on the Deep Sea Port and Naval Base projects, while oil exploration activities are already underway in the area.
