The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, Rivers State, describing the Federal Government’s renewed engagement in the area as a symbol of hope and a new beginning anchored on partnership and mutual understanding.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, stated this on Monday while addressing stakeholders during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland.
According to Ojulari, the visit underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to rebuild trust and foster sustainable development through dialogue and inclusive engagement.
“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,” he said.
While acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, the NNPC Ltd boss stressed that confronting the past is essential to building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, as well as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their steady leadership and confidence-building efforts in the region.
Ojulari emphasized that NNPC Ltd’s mission in Ogoniland transcends resource extraction, placing people, livelihoods, and environmental protection at the core of its operations.
“We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he stated.
Reaffirming the company’s responsibility to its host communities, the GCEO announced a significant milestone in local content and human capital development.
“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. They will resume work in January 2026, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity,” Ojulari disclosed.
On his part, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to resolving the decades-long Ogoni issue, noting that tangible progress is already being recorded.
“At our first meeting with Mr. President, commitments were made to improve the quality of life in Ogoniland. He has begun fulfilling those promises, starting with road construction. We were also assured of confidence-building initiatives, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, and employment opportunities. Today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd,” the governor said.
Representing President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, commended the Rivers State Government and Ogoni stakeholders for their cooperation 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. Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country, largely due to the leadership of a responsible governor and the goodwill of the people of Ogoniland,” Ribadu noted.
Ogoniland hosts Oil Mining Lease 11 (OML-11), Nigeria’s largest onshore oil block, operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd. The area accounts for over 40 percent of the block’s recoverable reserves, underscoring its strategic importance to Nigeria’s energy sector.
