Abeokuta, Ogun State — A technical delegation from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has carried out an inspection of the Eba oil well in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, as the state edges closer to launching commercial drilling operations.
The visit comes on the heels of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for commercial exploration. It forms part of the Federal Government’s broader initiative to mobilize technical expertise and infrastructure for oil production. NNPCL officials were joined by representatives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and national security agencies to assess the site’s readiness for drilling.
The inspection team was led by Hussein Aliyu, Project Coordinator for Enserv, who headed the NNPCL Enserv technical unit. Other members of the delegation included Wasiu Adeniyi, Onwugba Kelechi, Engr. Rabiu M. Audu, Ojonoka Braimah, Ahmad Usman, Akinbosola Oluwaseyi, Salisu Nuhu, James Amezhinim, Yusuf Abdul-Azeez, Amararu Isukul, and Livinus J. Kigbu.
Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed the development as a milestone for Ogun State. He emphasized that drilling at Eba would drive economic expansion, generate jobs, and attract greater federal presence to the state’s coastal communities.
Previous geological surveys had confirmed hydrocarbon deposits in the Ogun Waterside corridor, prompting preliminary studies and technical engagement by NNPCL. The Ogun State Government also conducted its own verification of the oil well’s coordinates, affirming that the discovery lies within the state’s territory.
To safeguard the project, naval personnel have been stationed at the site for more than 18 months, supported by the Ogun State Government, to ensure the facility and surrounding areas remain secure.
The Eba oil well is seen as part of Nigeria’s strategic push to diversify oil production beyond the Niger Delta. Stakeholders highlighted that the next stage will prioritize regulatory compliance, community engagement, environmental safeguards, and the seamless start of commercial operations.
The Ogun State Government further expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for backing the development of frontier oil basins and promoting a fairer distribution of the nation’s energy resources.
