Gov. Abiodun Unveils Ogun Waterside As Nigeria's Next Industrial Hub , Signals Revival of OKLNG Project

  By Olanrewaju Daud Martins

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Ogun Waterside Local Government into Nigeria's next major industrial, maritime and energy hub, announcing the planned revival of the long-abandoned Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project alongside other strategic investments expected to redefine the economic future of the coastal region.

The Governor made the announcement on Friday during the commissioning of the reconstructed Gao Junction–Ibiade Township Road in Ogun Waterside Local Government.

Receiving the Governor and his entourage, the Executive Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, Hon. Odunnoiki Adetoye Abdulganiyu, commended Governor Abiodun for his administration's remarkable infrastructural development across Ogun State over the past seven years, describing him as a visionary leader committed to equitable development across all parts of the state.

Hon. Odunnoiki noted that the Governor's outstanding performance was responsible for the overwhelming support he enjoys across Ogun East Senatorial District, where members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously elected him as the party's senatorial candidate for the forthcoming general elections.

Addressing a mammoth crowd at the event, Governor Abiodun disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has formally informed the Ogun State Government of its decision to revive the multi-billion-dollar Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project, one of Nigeria's most ambitious gas development initiatives that had remained dormant for years.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to the proposed Ogun Deep Sea Port, assuring residents that the project remains on course and that deliberate steps are being taken towards its actualisation as one of Africa's most strategic maritime infrastructure projects.

He further revealed that the discovery of premium-grade crude oil within the area has significantly enhanced Ogun Waterside's investment prospects, with plans for a refinery, deep seaport, naval base and dockyard expected to transform the local government into a major oil, gas, logistics and maritime hub.

According to Governor Abiodun, the reconstruction of the Gao Junction–Ibiade Township Road forms a critical component of the infrastructure needed to support the anticipated industrial and commercial expansion in the area, stressing that improved road connectivity will attract investments and unlock the economic potential of 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 declared.

Governor Abiodun also reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring balanced development across all 20 local government areas of the state, despite the numerous infrastructural projects already executed during the last seven years.

As part of the administration's ongoing infrastructure drive, he announced that the reconstruction of the J4–Iwopin Road would commence shortly, 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 suffered decades of infrastructural neglect but expressed confidence 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, stated that the reconstruction of the Gao Junction–Ibiade Township Road, which had remained in a deplorable condition for many years, was undertaken to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the coastal communities, 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, applauded Governor Abiodun for the intervention and appealed for the reconstruction of the J4 Junction–Iwopin Road and 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, commended the Governor for extending massive 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 ongoing in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ojotumoro of Abigi expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for his sustained developmental strides in Ogun Waterside but appealed for additional interventions, particularly the rehabilitation of the J4–Iwopin Road and the Ibiade–Abigi Road, to further improve transportation and economic activities within the local government.