GOV AIYEDATIWA HOSTS SAHARA ENERGY EXECS, BACKS REACTIVATION OF ONDO OIL FIELD

…reaffirms govt’s readiness to support operators, host communities

Ondo State Governor, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called for urgent action to revive a long-dormant oil asset in the state, warning that delays in investment decisions and infrastructure gaps must be addressed if Nigeria is to meet its crude oil production targets.

He made the call during a courtesy visit by Sahara Energy Group executives to the Governor’s Office in Akure, where discussions centred on reactivating an oil field that has remained inactive since 1998.

The engagement also aligns with Nigeria’s broader objective of raising crude oil output from about 1.6 million barrels per day to 2 million barrels per day.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State must take a stronger position in national oil production, stressing that its oil assets, if properly developed, could significantly boost output.

Recalling a past fire incident linked to the field, he said the episode exposed inconsistencies in operational information management.

“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 was like, how can a place with no oil be on fire? Is it water that is bringing out the fire?”

The governor said Ondo’s ranking among oil-producing states – at number 5 – could improve with renewed activity and stronger operational systems.

He stressed that production growth would depend on addressing structural and operational constraints, including leakages and outdated systems.

“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 digitalize it, remove some human errors and all that, maybe we’ll be able to hit that,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who said modernisation and fresh investment inflows are key to efficiency and higher output, assured investors of a secure and supportive environment, describing Ondo State as peaceful and open to oil operations.

He disclosed that the state had awarded dredging contracts to improve waterways and ease logistics to production sites, with further interventions planned for affected communities.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to boosting investor confidence, expanding production capacity, and ensuring oil-producing areas benefit from development.

Earlier, the Executive Director of Sahara Energy, Kola Adesina, said efforts were underway to unlock the asset’s production potential through technical evaluation and structured recovery plans.

Adesina said the asset had not been fully utilised for the benefit of the people, noting that its prolonged inactivity represents significant untapped value.

“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,” he said.

He commended the state government for its engagement and support, describing discussions as productive and encouraging.

Adesina said the company is conducting technical integrity tests and assessments to determine the asset’s condition and requirements for full reactivation.

He explained that the initiative is part of broader efforts to align operations with government priorities and ensure development outcomes translate into shared prosperity for host communities and stakeholders.

Adesina further said improving Nigeria’s oil output would require sustained investment, technical commitment and strong partnerships between operators and government institutions.

He added that Sahara Energy remains committed to responsible development, technological application, and continuous stakeholder engagement to return the asset to production.

Those present at the meeting included the 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 Chief Executive Officer, Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 16, 2026.