GOV AIYEDATIWA PUSHES REACTIVATION OF DORMANT ONDO OIL FIELD DURING MEETING WITH SAHARA ENERGY

GOV AIYEDATIWA PUSHES REACTIVATION OF DORMANT ONDO OIL FIELD DURING MEETING WITH SAHARA ENERGY

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called for urgent efforts to revive a long-dormant oil asset in the state, stressing that renewed investment and infrastructure upgrades are critical to boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production capacity.

The governor made the call on Tuesday while hosting top executives of Sahara Energy Group at the Governor’s Office in Akure, where discussions focused on plans to reactivate an oil field in Ondo State that has remained inactive since 1998.

The meeting comes amid Nigeria’s broader push to increase national crude oil production from approximately 1.6 million barrels per day to 2 million barrels per day, as authorities intensify efforts to strengthen the country’s energy sector and improve revenue generation.

Speaking during the engagement, Governor Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State must take a stronger role in national oil production, noting that the state possesses significant oil assets capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s production targets if properly developed.

He recalled a past fire incident connected to the dormant oil field, saying the event exposed serious inconsistencies in operational information management and raised concerns over transparency surrounding activities at the facility.

According to the governor, the incident happened while he served as Ondo State representative at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where conflicting reports emerged regarding operations at the site.

“I remember when there was a fire outbreak in that very well, and then I was in NDDC as the representative of the state. They claimed then that there was no operation in that place, that there’s no oil, and I questioned how a place with no oil could be on fire,” the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa noted that Ondo currently ranks among Nigeria’s oil-producing states and believes renewed production activities could improve the state’s standing and increase economic opportunities.

He emphasized that achieving higher production output would require tackling structural challenges affecting the sector, including operational leakages, outdated systems, and inefficient product monitoring mechanisms.

The governor stressed the importance of adopting modern technology and digitised operational systems capable of reducing human error and improving production efficiency.

“If leakages are blocked and the management of production and movement of products is properly monitored through digital systems, Nigeria stands a better chance of achieving its production targets,” he stated.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured investors that Ondo State remains peaceful and fully prepared to support responsible oil exploration and production activities.

He disclosed that the state government has already awarded dredging contracts aimed at improving waterways to ease logistics around production sites while additional development projects are being planned for host communities.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving investor confidence, expanding production capacity, and ensuring oil-producing communities benefit from economic development linked to energy operations.

Earlier, Executive Director of Sahara Energy Group, Kola Adesina, said the company is currently working on plans to unlock the oil asset’s production potential through technical evaluations and structured recovery strategies.

Adesina noted that the asset has remained underutilised for nearly three decades, representing significant untapped economic value.

“The asset we have here, the last time it was operated was 1998. That simply means it is a stranded asset that has not been fully unlocked to the advantage of the people,” he said.

He commended the Ondo State Government for its support and engagement, describing discussions with the governor as productive and encouraging.

According to Adesina, Sahara Energy is conducting technical integrity tests and detailed assessments to determine the condition of the facility and identify requirements necessary for full reactivation.

He explained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to align private sector operations with government development priorities while ensuring host communities benefit from long-term economic growth.

Adesina added that increasing Nigeria’s oil production would require sustained investment, strong technical commitment, and close collaboration between private operators and government institutions.

He reaffirmed Sahara Energy’s commitment to responsible energy development, technological innovation, and continuous stakeholder engagement aimed at returning the oil asset to full production.

Several top government officials attended the meeting, including Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff Segun Omojuwa, Commissioner for Finance Omowunmi Isaac, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Johnson Alabi, Commissioner for Commerce Bola Ademuwagun, Commissioner for Environment Tob Loko, and ONDIPA Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Omomowo.

The planned reactivation is expected to strengthen Ondo State’s role in Nigeria’s oil sector while contributing to national efforts to improve crude oil output and attract fresh investment into the energy industry.