Governor Abiodun Talks About Dangote Refinery and Ogun Deep Sea Port

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has rejected claims that he is responsible for moving the Dangote Refinery from Ogun State to Lagos. He said the decision was made before he became governor. He also confirmed that his government is still committed to the Deep Sea Port project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

The governor shared that oil exploration and drilling have started in Eba, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. This is part of efforts to make Ogun an oil-producing state.

Abiodun spoke during the opening of the six-kilometre Stadium, Luba, Tam Balogun Road in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.

“We are working hard on our port project. The Deep Sea Port is on track, and Ogun State will have one of the deepest and longest ports in Sub-Saharan Africa, if not the whole continent.

“It will have the longest berth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Soon, we will share more details about the project,” he said.

The governor reminded everyone of his promise to make Ogun an oil-producing state. He pointed out that the state has had significant oil deposits for many years that were not used.

“During my campaign, I promised that Ogun State would become an oil-producing state under my leadership. The oil we are now working to produce in commercial amounts has always been here. Previous governments had the chance, but it is under my leadership that real progress is happening,” he stated.

On the issue surrounding the Dangote Refinery project, Abiodun said the former leaders who were in charge at the time should take the blame for its relocation.

“A few days ago, I saw stories on social media saying that Dapo Abiodun allowed the refinery project to leave Ogun State and that I have also abandoned the Deep Sea Port project.

“First, was I the governor when the refinery was moved to Lagos? If anything, I did everything I could to keep the refinery in Ogun State, but others, through their carelessness, allowed the project to go,” he said.

The governor pointed out various major projects his government has completed in Ogun East Senatorial District. These include the federal takeover of Tai Solarin University of Education, the development of the Dry Port, ongoing oil exploration activities, and the rebuilding of the Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode Expressway.

He mentioned that over 26 roads have been finished in Ijebu-Ode since his administration started focusing on road infrastructure. He added that 12 more road projects are currently being worked on.

Abiodun urged residents to take care of the newly opened road and avoid dumping waste in the drainage channels. He reminded everyone that the project was paid for with taxpayers’ money. He believes that the road will help boost economic activities and improve people's lives.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, said the road project includes strong concrete drains, kerbs, and road markings. This shows the government’s commitment to providing lasting infrastructure across the state.

He noted that the road will improve connections within Ijebu-Ode and nearby communities and will help increase economic activities in the area.

The Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, described Governor Abiodun as a quiet achiever. He said the governor’s projects, like the Deep Sea Port and Dry Port, are changing Ogun State’s economy.

Also, the Chairman of the Ogun State Elders Council, Chief Olusegun Okuboyejo, praised the governor for spreading development projects fairly across the state. He promised that the council will continue to support him.

Hon Dare Alebiosu, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, said the area has seen unprecedented infrastructure development under the current administration. He noted that these projects have greatly improved the local economy.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers at the event, the Elese of Ilese, Oba Obayomi Olufemi, thanked the governor for the positive changes in Ijebuland. He urged him to keep the momentum going by starting more projects for the people and finishing ongoing ones.