A technical team from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has visited the oil well at Eba, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, as preparations intensify for the commencement of commercial drilling operations in the state.
The visit forms part of the federal government’s efforts to mobilise the technical expertise and infrastructure required for drilling, following the approval for commercial operations by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Officials of NNPCL worked alongside the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and national security agencies to assess the site and confirm its suitability for production.
The technical delegation was led by Hussein Aliyu, Project Coordinator for Enserv, who headed the entire NNPCL Enserv technical team. Other members of the team 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 @DapoAbiodunCON described the development as a historic milestone for Ogun State, noting that the commencement of drilling at Eba could boost local economic growth, create jobs, and attract increased federal investment to coastal communities.
Reports indicate the presence of hydrocarbons in the Ogun Waterside corridor, which prompted preliminary surveys and technical engagements by the NNPCL team. Ogun State authorities also conducted independent verification of the oil well’s coordinates, confirming that the discovery lies within the state’s territorial boundaries.
To safeguard the project, naval security units have been deployed to the site for over 18 months, facilitated by the Ogun State Government, to protect the facility and surrounding areas.
The Eba oil well project is seen as a strategic expansion of Nigeria’s oil production beyond the traditional Niger Delta region. Stakeholders say the next steps will focus on meeting regulatory standards, protecting local interests, and ensuring that commercial drilling operations proceed smoothly. Appreciation was also expressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commitment to the development of frontier oil basins and the equitable distribution of Nigeria’s energy resources, the statement added.