Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged the Federal Government to prioritize investment decisions and address infrastructure gaps to help Nigeria achieve its crude oil production targets.
The governor made this appeal while receiving Dr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Energy, and his team during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office in Akure on Tuesday.
Discussions centered on the urgent need to revive an oil field in Ondo State that has remained inactive since 1998.
Both parties emphasized that reactivating the asset would align with Nigeria’s broader objective of raising crude oil output from approximately 1.6 million barrels per day to 2 million barrels per day.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that Ondo must play a stronger role in national oil production, noting that its oil assets, if properly developed, could significantly boost output. He recalled a past fire incident at the site, which he said highlighted inconsistencies in operational information management.
He remarked: “I remember when there was a fire outbreak in that well. At the time, I was representing the state in NDDC. They claimed there was no operation there, no oil. I asked, how can a place with no oil be on fire? Is it water that is burning?”
The governor added that Ondo’s current ranking as the fifth oil-producing state could improve with renewed activity and modernized systems.
He emphasized the importance of addressing structural and operational challenges such as leakages, outdated equipment, and human error, while advocating for digitalization to enhance efficiency.
Aiyedatiwa assured investors of a secure and supportive environment, describing Ondo as peaceful and open to oil operations. He disclosed that dredging contracts had been awarded to improve waterways and logistics, with further interventions planned for host communities.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, he pledged to boost investor confidence, expand production capacity, and ensure oil-producing areas benefit from development initiatives.
In his remarks, Dr. Adesina noted that the dormant asset represents significant untapped value, describing it as a “stranded asset” that has not been fully utilized for the benefit of the people.
He revealed that Sahara Energy is conducting technical integrity tests and assessments to determine the asset’s condition and requirements for reactivation.
Adesina emphasized that unlocking Nigeria’s oil potential would require sustained investment, technical expertise, and strong partnerships between operators and government institutions.
He assured that Sahara Energy remains committed to responsible development, technological innovation, and continuous stakeholder engagement.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Finance Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Engr. Johnson Alabi; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services Pastor Bola Ademuwagun; Commissioner for Environment Dr. Tob Loko; and ONDIPA CEO Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo.
