R-L: GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari (2nd right) with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi and Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland, in Rivers State, on Monday.
This is a new chapter for Sustainable Energy Development – Says Ojulari
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to rebuild trust and unlock sustainable development in the oil-producing region of Rivers State.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, made the pledge on Monday during a high-level Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland, describing the engagement as a symbol of hope and a decisive step toward a new beginning anchored on partnership, inclusion and mutual respect.
Ojulari said the visit underscored the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address long-standing grievances in Ogoniland through peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue.
“This visit is a demonstration of hope,” he said. “It affirms the commitment of the Federal Government to peace, dialogue and rebuilding trust. For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning—one grounded in partnership, mutual respect and shared responsibility.”
Acknowledging the painful history associated with oil exploration in Ogoniland, the NNPC Ltd boss emphasized that confronting the past is essential to building a different and more sustainable future for host communities.
He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for what he described as steady leadership in confidence-building and stakeholder engagement.
According to Ojulari, NNPC Ltd’s renewed engagement in Ogoniland goes beyond oil and gas extraction, with a strong focus on environmental protection, community wellbeing and inclusive development.
“We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he said, reiterating the company’s commitment to responsible energy practices in the Niger Delta.
As part of confidence-building measures, Ojulari announced concrete progress on employment commitments to the Ogoni people. He disclosed that the process for the full-time employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPC Ltd has reached its final stage, with employment offers already issued.
The beneficiaries are expected to resume work in January 2026.
“This marks a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for our communities,” he noted, adding that NNPC Ltd remains committed to the welfare, security and long-term prosperity of its host communities.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, welcomed the renewed federal engagement, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for his sustained commitment to resolving the decades-long Ogoni issue.
According to the governor, earlier engagements with the President resulted in clear commitments aimed at improving the quality of life in Ogoniland, many of which are already being implemented.
“These include road construction, confidence-building initiatives, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, and employment opportunities,” Fubara said. “As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd.”
Representing President Tinubu at the engagement, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu thanked the Rivers State Government and Ogoni stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing inherited security and development 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. “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 goodwill of the people of Ogoniland.”
- Ogoniland hosts Oil Mining Lease (OML-11), Nigeria’s largest onshore oil block, operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd.
- Ogoniland accounts for over 40 per cent of the block’s recoverable reserves, underscoring its strategic importance to Nigeria’s energy sector.
With renewed dialogue, tangible development commitments and a people-centred approach to energy development, stakeholders believe the latest engagement could mark the beginning of a more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive chapter for Ogoniland.
I couldn’t resist commenting
Such a refreshing take on a common topic.