Korede Abdullah 
ABEOKUTA, Nigeria – Oil exploration in Ogun State has officially commenced on Eba Island after the Federal Government granted the state Frontier Exploration Area status, marking a significant step in efforts to unlock its hydrocarbon resources and expand Nigeria’s energy sector.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announces the development on Wednesday, saying the approval by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources paves the way for exploration activities expected to stimulate investment, create jobs and generate sustainable revenue for the state.
The governor says preparatory work has already been completed, with authorities securing all statutory approvals before the commencement of field operations.
According to Abiodun, key technical activities—including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), bathymetric surveys, topographical mapping and geotechnical investigations—have been successfully concluded, while regulatory clearances have been obtained from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Civil engineering works have also begun at the exploration site, with well intervention and re-entry equipment already deployed to support drilling operations.
The governor describes the commencement of oil exploration in Ogun State as a major milestone in the state’s economic diversification agenda and a testament to years of strategic planning and collaboration with federal authorities.
“We remain committed to harnessing these resources responsibly to create jobs, attract investment, generate sustainable revenue, and position Ogun State as a leading player in Nigeria’s energy sector,” Abiodun says.
He says the project will not only strengthen the state’s internally generated revenue but also create employment opportunities, attract private investment and stimulate economic activities in host communities.
The governor emphasises that environmental sustainability will remain central to the exploration process, assuring residents that all operations will comply with national environmental and petroleum regulations.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
