Aiyedatiwa calls for reactivation of Ondo oil field

…assures Sahara Energy of investor-friendly environment

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday called for the reactivation of a dormant oil field in the state, urging investors and industry stakeholders to unlock its potential as part of efforts to boost crude oil production and drive economic development.

The governor made the call during a courtesy visit by officials of Sahara Energy Group to his office in Akure, where discussions focused on plans to revive the oil asset, which has remained inactive since 1998.

Aiyedatiwa said the reactivation of the field would not only strengthen Ondo State’s contribution to Nigeria’s oil output but also attract investments, create jobs and stimulate development in host communities.

He stressed the need for renewed investment and the deployment of modern technology to improve production efficiency and address operational challenges in the oil sector.

According to him, effective monitoring systems, digitalisation of production processes and the elimination of leakages would go a long way in helping Nigeria achieve its target of increasing crude oil production from about 1.6 million barrels per day to two million barrels per day.

The governor recalled a fire incident that occurred at the oil field years ago, noting that the episode raised concerns about the management of information relating to operations at the facility.

He said Ondo State has the potential to improve its standing among oil-producing states if its oil assets are fully developed and efficiently managed.

Aiyedatiwa assured Sahara Energy and other prospective investors of the state’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for business operations.

“We are very peaceful in Ondo State. We will give you all the necessary support that you need for your operations to thrive,” he said.

The governor, however, identified inadequate infrastructure as a major challenge confronting oil exploration activities in some parts of the state, particularly in riverine communities where access remains largely dependent on waterways.

He disclosed that the state government had awarded dredging contracts aimed at improving water transportation and easing access to production sites, adding that more infrastructure interventions were being planned for affected communities.

Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening investor confidence, expanding production capacity and ensuring that oil-producing communities benefit from sustainable development.

Earlier, Executive Director of Sahara Energy Group, Kola Adesina, described the oil field as a stranded asset with significant untapped value, noting that it had remained dormant for nearly three decades.

He said the company was conducting technical integrity tests and assessments to determine the condition of the facility and the requirements for its full reactivation.

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

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

According to him, Sahara Energy remains committed to responsible development, technological innovation and stakeholder engagement in its efforts to return the asset to production.

Adesina added that stronger partnerships between government and operators, sustained investment and technical expertise would be critical to increasing Nigeria’s crude oil output and unlocking the full potential of the country’s oil resources.

In attendance were; the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff to the Governor, 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, Prof. Tob Loko; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo.