By Paul Joseph
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has renewed calls for the reactivation of a long-abandoned oil field in the state, saying unlocking the asset is crucial to boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production and strengthening Ondo’s position among the country’s oil-producing states.
The governor made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving executives of Sahara Energy Group during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office in Akure.
Discussions at the meeting focused on plans to reactivate an oil field that has remained dormant since 1998, in line with Nigeria’s target of increasing crude oil production from about 1.6 million barrels per day to 2 million barrels per day.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said Ondo possesses significant oil resources capable of contributing substantially to the country’s production targets if supported by fresh investments and modern operational systems.
Recalling a fire incident that occurred at the inactive oil field during his tenure as the state’s representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission, the governor questioned claims that the facility had no active oil reserves.
“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 was no oil. I was like, how can a place with no oil be on fire? Is it water that is bringing out the fire?” he said.
The governor noted that Ondo currently ranks fifth among Nigeria’s oil-producing states but expressed optimism that renewed exploration and improved management could significantly improve the state’s standing.
He stressed that achieving higher production would require plugging operational leakages, upgrading infrastructure, embracing digital technologies and eliminating human errors in production monitoring.
“If leakages are being blocked and the management of the production and the movement of products to the point where it can be calculated, the equipment, if they can digitalise it and remove some human errors, maybe we’ll be able to hit that target,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He assured investors that Ondo State remains peaceful and committed to providing a conducive environment for oil and gas operations.
According to the governor, his administration has already awarded dredging contracts aimed at improving waterways and easing transportation to production sites, while additional interventions are being planned for host communities.
Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to attracting investment, expanding production capacity and ensuring that oil-producing communities benefit from sustainable development.
Earlier, Executive Director of Sahara Energy, Kola Adesina, said the company was carrying out technical evaluations and integrity assessments to determine the condition of the dormant asset ahead of its planned reactivation.
He described the oil field as a stranded asset that has remained unused for nearly three decades.
“The asset we have here, the last time it was operated was 1998. Of course, it simply means that’s a stranded asset that has not been unlocked fully to the advantage of the people,” Adesina said.
He commended the Ondo State Government for its support and engagement, describing discussions with the governor as productive and encouraging.
Adesina explained that Sahara Energy’s ongoing technical assessments would guide the recovery process and ensure that the asset is safely returned to production.
He added that improving Nigeria’s oil output would require sustained investment, technological innovation and close collaboration between operators and government institutions, reaffirming the company’s commitment to responsible resource development and continuous engagement with host communities.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor 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 Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo.
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