Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, says the long-abandoned Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project is set for revival, describing the development as part of broader plans to transform Ogun Waterside into a major industrial and maritime hub.
The governor made the disclosure on Friday while commissioning the reconstructed Gao-Ibiade Road in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, saying the project was conceived to prepare the area for increased industrial, commercial and maritime activities.
Abiodun said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) had informed the state government of its decision to revive the multi-billion-dollar OKLNG project, expressing optimism that the development would unlock fresh investment opportunities in the coastal axis.
“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.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the proposed Ogun Deep Sea Port, noting that the project remained on course as part of efforts to position the state as a major maritime and logistics destination.
The governor further disclosed that the discovery of premium-grade crude oil in the area had strengthened the investment prospects of Ogun Waterside, with plans for a refinery, deep seaport, naval base and dockyard expected to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
According to him, the reconstruction of the Gao-Ibiade Road forms part of the critical infrastructure required to support the anticipated expansion of economic activities by improving connectivity and opening up the coastal communities to investors.
Abiodun said that although his administration had delivered infrastructure projects across the state over the past seven years, it remained committed to ensuring that development reached every part of Ogun State.
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.
“Although we have undertaken significant infrastructural development across the state, we remain committed to ensuring that every local government benefits from the dividends of democracy,” he said.
Reflecting on the area’s transformation, the governor noted that Ogun Waterside had long suffered from inadequate infrastructure but was gradually emerging as a strategic investment destination capable of driving economic growth in the state and the country.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, said the Gao-Ibiade Road, which had remained in a deplorable condition for years, was reconstructed to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities, adding 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 the governor 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, praised the administration for extending infrastructure development to the area, noting that work had commenced on the Deep Sea Port and Naval Base projects, while oil exploration activities were already ongoing in the locality.
