Amid ownership disputes, Ogun advances Eba Island oil exploration, begins civil works

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Oil exploration activities on Eba Island have recorded fresh progress, with the Ogun State Government announcing the commencement of civil works and the deployment of well intervention equipment to the site, despite lingering ownership disputes between Ogun and Ondo states over the island.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account, saying the project had reached another significant milestone following the grant of Frontier Exploration Status to Ogun State by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

According to the governor, key preparatory stages of the project have been completed, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), bathymetric, topographical and geotechnical surveys.

Abiodun also said all statutory approvals required for the project had been secured from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“Civil works have now commenced, while well intervention and re-entry equipment have been mobilized to the site, marking another significant step in the advancement of this strategic project,” the governor stated.

He explained that the initiative was part of efforts by his administration to unlock the hydrocarbon potential of the state and drive economic growth.

“Through this initiative, we remain committed to expanding economic opportunities, creating jobs, attracting investments, generating sustainable revenue, and positioning Ogun State as a major contributor to Nigeria’s energy future,” Abiodun said.

The latest development comes amid an unresolved territorial dispute over Eba Island, with both Ogun and Ondo states laying claim to ownership of the oil-bearing area.

While Ogun State maintains that the island falls within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Ondo State has consistently argued that it is located within Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The dispute intensified following the discovery of hydrocarbon deposits in the area, prompting interventions by federal authorities and the National Boundary Commission. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives called for an investigation into the ownership claims after stakeholders from both states presented conflicting positions on the status of the island.

Despite the controversy, Ogun State has continued to push ahead with exploration activities, insisting that all regulatory approvals for the project were duly obtained.

Abiodun assured residents and investors that further updates would be provided as work progresses on what he described as a landmark programme capable of boosting investment, employment and internally generated revenue in the state.