Ogun Becomes Oil-Producing State as NNPCL Begins Drilling at Eba Well
- President Tinubu's approva for production accelerates drilling at Eba oil well, promising economic growth for Ogun State
- Ogun's new oil venture aims to diversify Nigeria's oil production beyond the Niger Delta's dominance
- Enhanced security and regulatory measures set to ensure safety and community engagement in the Eba project
Pascal Oparada is a journalist with Legit.ng, covering technology, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy for over a decade.
The green light from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paved the way for intensified activities at the site.
The inspection team included officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and national security agencies to assess operational readiness and regulatory compliance.
Source: Getty Images
Leading the delegation was Hussein Aliyu, Project Coordinator for NNPCL’s Enserv team, alongside other engineers and technical experts tasked with evaluating infrastructure, safety standards and drilling requirements.
Their mission was clear: confirm the well’s preparedness for commercial production and ensure that every regulatory and technical box is ticked before drilling commences.
Governor Abiodun hhails ‘landmark achievement’
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the development as a watershed moment for Ogun State.
According to him, the commencement of drilling at Eba is expected to unlock fresh economic opportunities, create jobs and attract a stronger federal presence to coastal communities long yearning for industrial growth.
He noted that geological assessments had earlier confirmed hydrocarbon deposits within the Ogun Waterside axis, prompting preliminary surveys and deeper technical engagements by NNPCL.
To remove any lingering doubts, the Ogun State Government independently verified the coordinates of the oil well, affirming that the discovery lies firmly within its territorial boundaries.
Security, strategy and what comes next
Security has been central to the project’s stability. Naval personnel have guarded the facility for more than 18 months, working with state authorities to safeguard equipment and prevent disruptions.
This sustained security presence reflects the high strategic value attached to the site.
According to a report by ThisDay, the Eba oil well forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to diversify production beyond the Niger Delta. For decades, states like Delta and Rivers have dominated the oil map.
Ogun’s entry signals a deliberate shift aimed at boosting national output while promoting regional balance in energy development.
Stakeholders say the next phase will focus on strict regulatory compliance, environmental safeguards, and active engagement with host communities to ensure a smooth take-off.
Source: Getty Images
For Ogun residents, the development represents more than crude oil. It is a promise of jobs, infrastructure and renewed economic momentum.
For Nigeria, it marks another step toward strengthening energy security and widening the nation’s oil-producing base.
Nigeria discovers new oil well
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria’s oil production outlook has received a major lift following the successful discovery of a new oil well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL).
The discovery, known as the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well, is expected to support plans by the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Joint Venture to raise crude oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, a move seen as critical to boosting government revenue and strengthening national energy security.
NNPC confirmed the development in a statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, congratulating Chevron, the operator of the joint venture, on the successful completion of drilling activities.
Source: Legit.ng
