Ogun sets to become oil-producing state as exploration begins

Ogun State’s bid to become an oil-producing state is nearing fruition, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) prepares to launch oil and gas exploration activities in the state.

Top stakeholders in the oil industry, including Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri, SHELL Petroleum Development Company’s MD Mr. Osagie Okubor, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s CEO Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, and NNPC Ltd’s Group CEO Mr. Mele Kyari, converged on Ogun State on Friday to discuss the Federal Government’s plans to commence oil exploration activities in the state.

They were received by Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

Hon. Lokpobiri, who spoke at the governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta said Ogun State has always been part of the Dahomey Basin with prospect of having huge deposit of hyrdro-carbon.

The Minister said: “We decided that we are going to resume exploration in the different Basins; we decided to come to Ogun State to reassure the people that we have very high potential of discoveries here. Ogun has always been part of the Dahomey Basin and our presence underscore the seriousness the federal government attaches to the exploration activities that we want to carry out in Ogun State.”

Hon. Lokpobiri emphasized that the oil and gas industry remains the fastest route to Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.

He stated that his team is in the State to continue promoting exploration activities and to demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to boosting revenue through the oil and gas sector, underscoring the government’s seriousness and dedication to this goal.

“Today we are here to tell the people of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that we continue our campaign and exploration activities across the country. We are doing this exploration activities in several places across Nigeria and today we are in Ogun after which we will proceed to Sokoto State,” he added.