New Dawn: FG Delegates & NNPC Visit Ogoniland, Reaffirm Peace Commitment 

The delegates of the Federal Government, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), led by Bayo Ojulari, on Monday, paid a visit to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Federal Government’s plan for peace and oil exploration in Ogoni land

Speaking during the visit at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, Ribadu said the representatives was at the instance of President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the government is optimistic that a new dawn is about to unfold for Nigeria with Ogoni playing a critical role.

The representatives included the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

‎‎According to the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd.’s mission in Ogoniland goes beyond resource extraction, but one that places people, livelihoods, and the environment at the centre of its operations. “We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he said.

‎‎Reaffirming NNPC Ltd.’s responsibility to host communities, the Group CEO offered assurances on welfare, security, and opportunity.

“I am delighted to share that one of our commitments to the people of Ogoni is becoming a reality. The process for the full-time employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes has reached its final stage, with employment offers already issued. We look forward with pride to welcoming them as they resume work in January 2026, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for our communities.,” he stated.

‎On his part, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions to a decades-long, recurring issue in Ogoniland, which is now beginning to yield positive results.

‎‎” We had our first meeting with Mr. President, and certain commitments were made to improve the quality of life in Ogoniland. He has begun to fulfill those promises, starting with road construction. We were assured of confidence-building efforts, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, employment opportunities, and several other initiatives. As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd.” he concluded.

‎‎In his remarks, National Security Adviser of Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu during the engagement, thanked the Governor of Rivers State and stakeholders from Ogoniland for their cooperation and collective efforts in addressing long-standing challenges inherited in the region.

‎‎” We have worked as one, and we are here today because of the Ogoni people, to thank them on behalf of Nigeria. Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country, and that’s largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland,” the NSA added.

Located in Ogoniland and operated by the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, OML-11 is Nigeria’s largest onshore block, with Ogoniland holding over 40% of its recoverable reserves.