Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd, has signaled a major step toward restoring oil production and economic activity in Ogoniland, reaffirming its commitment to peace, responsible energy development and community-based growth in the oil-rich region.
Speaking during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland in Rivers State, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the renewed engagement as a turning point with strong economic and investment implications.
“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,” Ojulari said. “For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning, one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.”
Ojulari acknowledged the region’s painful history but stressed that addressing the past was critical to unlocking future value, particularly given Ogoniland’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s oil economy.
Operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, NEPL, OML-11 is Nigeria’s largest onshore oil block, with Ogoniland accounting for over 40 per cent of its recoverable reserves.
He said NNPC’s approach in Ogoniland goes beyond crude oil extraction, with a focus on livelihoods, environmental protection and sustainable development.
“We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he stated.
As part of confidence-building measures with direct economic impact, the GCEO announced progress on local employment.
“I am delighted to share that one of our commitments to the people of Ogoni is becoming a reality,” Ojulari said.
“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.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, said the renewed engagement was already translating into tangible development outcomes, laying the foundation for long-term economic recovery in Ogoniland.
“We had our first meeting with Mr. President, and certain commitments were made to improve the quality of life in Ogoniland,” Fubara said.
“He has begun to fulfil those promises, starting with road construction. We were assured of confidence-building efforts, a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park and employment opportunities.”
According to the governor, the employment of 30 Ogoni youths by NNPC Ltd. marks an early dividend of the re-entry process. “As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd.,” he said.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu, linked improved security in Rivers State to the progress being recorded.
“Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country,” Ribadu said. “That’s largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland.”
