Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has demanded for the reactivation of a dormant Ondo oil field to boost Nigeria’s crude output.
Receiving Sahara Energy team Tuesday in Akure, he said the asset, inactive since 1998, aligns with national plans to raise production from 1.7m to 2m barrels per day.
The governor promised support for operators and host communities.
He said Ondo must take a stronger position in national oil production, stressing that its oil assets, if properly developed, could significantly boost the total output.
Aiyedatiwa, who recalled recent fire incident linked to the field, said the development exposed inconsistencies in operational information management.
He said: “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 number 5 rank among oil-producing states in the country could improve with renewed activity and stronger operational systems.
He noted that production growth would depend on addressing structural and operational constraints, including leakages and outdated systems.
He said:“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.”
Aiyedatiwa, who said modernisation and fresh investment inflows are key to efficiency and higher output, reassured 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.
In his address, the Executive Director of Sahara Energy, Kola Adesina, revealed that efforts were underway to unlock the asset’s production potential through technical evaluation and structured recovery plans.
He 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,” Adesina said.
Commending the state government for its engagement and support, 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 explained that 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.
