By JKNewsMedia Reporter
FRESH ENGAGEMENT by the Federal Government in Ogoniland has been presented as a turning point for peace building, dialogue and responsible energy development, with Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited affirming a fresh approach centred on partnership, trust and shared responsibility.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, spoke during a visit by a Federal Government delegation to Ogoniland in Rivers State, where he described the engagement as a sign of hope and a new beginning for the region.
“This visit is a demonstration of hope. It affirms the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to peace, dialogue, and rebuilding trust.
“For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning, one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” Ojulari stated.
He acknowledged the painful history associated with Ogoniland and stressed that recognising the past remained essential to shaping a different future.
The NNPC Ltd chief executive said confronting historical challenges openly was a necessary step towards rebuilding confidence and forging a sustainable relationship with host communities.
Ojulari commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, as well as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for what he described as steady leadership and consistent efforts in building trust and confidence among stakeholders.
He stated that the mission of NNPC Ltd in Ogoniland extended beyond resource extraction, emphasising that the company placed 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 the company’s responsibility to its host communities, Ojulari offered assurances relating to welfare, security and opportunity, underscoring NNPC Ltd’s commitment to ensuring that its presence translated into tangible benefits for the people of Ogoniland.
In remarks shared by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, on twenty three December twenty twenty five, Ojulari highlighted progress on employment commitments made to the Ogoni people.
“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 thirty 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 twenty twenty-six, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for our communities,” he stated.
The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, also spoke during the engagement, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for what he described as unwavering commitment to addressing long standing issues in Ogoniland.
He said the Federal Government’s actions were beginning to deliver positive results after decades of recurring challenges.
“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,” Fubara said.
The governor added that assurances had been given on a range of initiatives aimed at rebuilding confidence and improving living conditions in the area.
These included confidence building efforts, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park and employment opportunities.
“As of today, thirty young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd,” he concluded.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu during the visit, thanked the Rivers State Government and stakeholders from Ogoniland for their cooperation and collective efforts in addressing long standing challenges 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,” Ribadu said.
He noted that Rivers State had recorded improved peace and stability, attributing this development to leadership and collaboration at both state and community levels.
“Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country, and that is largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland,” the National Security Adviser added.
A release signed by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd on 23rd December 2025, states that Ogoniland hosts Oil Mining Lease Eleven, operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, an upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, and described the asset as Nigeria’s largest onshore block, with the area holding more than forty percent of its recoverable reserves.
It added that the FG delegation’s visit, alongside employment commitments and fresh assurances on development and environmental responsibility, formed part of the engagement presented by officials as a foundation for rebuilding trust and promoting sustainable progress in Ogoniland.
