Renowned cleric and spiritual leader, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has forecast a wave of significant energy resource discoveries in Nigeria, pointing to Lagos State and Cross River State as the next frontiers for oil and gas exploration.
In a statement released on Thursday from 00:02, Ayodele declared that the country is on the verge of unearthing substantial liquefied gas reserves in Lagos and discovering new oil deposits in Cross River, a development that could reshape Nigeria’s energy map.
“They are going to discover liquefied gas in Lagos State and another oil in Cross River,” Ayodele said. “They are going to have more oil wells. They will discover it in Cross River. This is a revelation that will change the dynamics of these states and the nation’s economy.”
Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub, has long been associated with maritime trade and manufacturing, but in recent years, offshore oil and gas activities have expanded its role in the energy sector. Industry experts suggest that if Ayodele’s prediction materializes, Lagos could further cement itself as a major contributor to Nigeria’s energy output.
In Cross River State, oil exploration has been sporadic over the decades, with some offshore fields in the Gulf of Guinea linked to the region. The state government has repeatedly called for more investment in exploration to diversify its economy, which currently relies heavily on tourism and agriculture.
Reacting to Ayodele’s statement, an energy analyst at the African Centre for Energy Policy, Dr. Tunde Akinyemi, said such discoveries could have transformative effcts.
“If new reserves are confirmed, it could mean an expansion of Nigeria’s proven reserves and potentially new revenue streams for both states,” Akinyemi explained. “However, the real test will be in managing these resources transparently and ensuring they benefit the local populations.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has not issued an official statement in response to Ayodele’s prediction, but officials have previously acknowledged that exploration activities are ongoing in several coastal states, including Lagos and Cross River.
Some industry insiders believe the discoveries could attract significant foreign investment. A senior executive at an oil services firm, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the timing could be favorable given global interest in African energy markets.
“International investors are looking for stable jurisdictions with untapped potential,” the executive noted. “If credible geological surveys confirm these reserves, we could see a rush of exploratory drilling in both states.”
Despite the optimism, environmental advocates have urged caution. Mrs. Funmi Adebanjo, coordinator of the Green Nigeria Network, warned against repeating past mistakes in oil-rich regions.
“Resource discoveries bring opportunities but also risks,” Adebanjo said. “We must ensure environmental safeguards are in place from the very beginning to protect communities and ecosystems.”
As speculation builds, all eyes will be on developments in Lagos and Cross River over the coming months. Whether Ayodele’s prophecy proves accurate will depend on the outcomes of seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, and the political will to manage any newfound wealth responsibly.
For now, the forecast has stirred interest across Nigeria’s energy sector, with stakeholders watching closely for signs that the nation’s next big oil and gas boom could emerge from unexpected corners of its coastline.
