A multibillion-naira naval base project, initiated by Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, is rapidly taking shape in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, with its first phase slated for completion by the first quarter of 2026, Apples Bite Magazine reports.
The land, gifted to the Nigerian Navy nearly five decades ago, lay dormant for 49 years, untouched and undeveloped. It wasn’t until Otunba Gbenga Daniel assumed his dual role as senator and chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy that the long-stalled project finally gained traction. Leveraging his legislative position and strategic influence, Daniel successfully secured the necessary approvals to transform the abandoned expanse into a functional naval base.
The ambitious N2 billion project, designed as a comprehensive “mini city” to serve the community, is in efforts to enhance maritime security and stimulate socio-economic development in Ogun East Senatorial District and the broader state. Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who represents Ogun East and chairs the Senate Committee on Navy, is the chief promoter of the project and has been instrumental in driving the same forward despite bureaucratic challenges typical of government infrastructure initiatives.
Engineer Ibrahim Sonde, speaking on behalf of the project team, described the scope of the development as unprecedented in the region. “What is being planned here is a mini city for the Nigerian Navy to serve the community,” Sonde explained. “The base will have all features you find in a city, a school, a church, a hospital, a mosque, a library, including homes for naval ratings.” The comprehensive design reflects a modern approach to military base development, ensuring that personnel deployed to the facility will have access to essential amenities and services within the compound.
The project is being executed in multiple phases to ensure systematic development and efficient resource allocation. The initial phase encompasses perimeter fencing for security, a gatehouse with security installations, administrative blocks, a 24-unit apartment complex for junior ratings, and a 16-unit studio apartment block for junior officers. According to Sonde, the primary objective of phase one is to enable the early deployment of naval officers to the area, immediately boosting security presence in the waterside community.
“Usually, the project should not exceed one year, but because of bureaucracy in government, especially in areas of funding, we’ve experienced some delays,” Sonde acknowledged. “However, because of the assistance of Senator Gbenga Daniel, phase one will be completed by the first quarter of 2026.”
Beyond its security implications, the naval base construction has already begun generating economic benefits for residents of Ogun Waterside. Over the past six months, the project has created employment opportunities and stimulated local trade. “We buy materials, including blocks, sand and wood for construction from the locals,” Sonde noted, highlighting the project’s commitment to sourcing supplies from the immediate community, thereby injecting funds directly into the local economy.
Subsequent phases of the project will expand the base’s capabilities significantly, with plans for educational facilities for children of naval personnel and potentially local communities, a fully equipped naval hospital, additional residential quarters, recreational amenities, and enhanced operational facilities. Statistically, the project, upon completion, will serve an estimated 80% local community and 20% naval officers. These additions will transform the base into a self-sustaining community that not only serves military purposes but also contributes to the social infrastructure of the region.
The Abigi-Makun-Omi Naval Base holds strategic significance for Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. Its location in Ogun Waterside positions it to monitor and secure critical waterways, combat illegal maritime activities, and enhance the Nigerian Navy’s operational reach in the southwestern coastal region. The initiative aligns with Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s long-standing commitment to strengthening Ogun State’s maritime capabilities. As a former governor of the state, Daniel has consistently advocated for projects that leverage Ogun’s strategic coastal position.
The project’s journey has not been without obstacles. Funding delays and bureaucratic processes, common challenges in government infrastructure projects, threatened to extend the timeline significantly. However, Senator Daniel’s position as chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy and his determined advocacy have helped navigate these hurdles. His intervention has been credited with ensuring continued funding releases and maintaining momentum despite administrative bottlenecks that typically plague such initiatives.
The naval base project represents more than military infrastructure; it embodies a broader vision for regional development. By attracting federal investment to Ogun East, Senator Daniel is working to address historical development imbalances and position his senatorial district as a key player in Nigeria’s maritime economy. The project is expected to spur additional development in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, historically one of the more underserved parts of the state. Improved security, infrastructure, and economic activity associated with the base could catalyse further private and public sector investment in the area.
As construction continues at the site, stakeholders remain optimistic about meeting the first quarter of 2026 deadline for phase one completion. The successful delivery of this phase will mark a significant achievement for Senator Daniel’s tenure and demonstrate the potential for legislative influence to drive tangible development outcomes. For residents of Ogun Waterside and the broader Ogun East Senatorial District, the naval base represents hope for enhanced security, economic opportunities, and improved quality of life – transforming what was once a quiet waterside community into a strategic asset for both Ogun State and Nigeria’s maritime defence infrastructure.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
