Federal Government, NNPC Signal Fresh Push to Rebuild Trust and Restart Energy Development in Ogoniland

Renewed engagement anchored on dialogue, environmental protection, and community inclusion as plans advance for re-entry into OML 11

The Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have signalled a renewed commitment to rebuilding trust and restarting responsible energy development in Ogoniland, Rivers State, decades after oil operations were suspended due to environmental degradation and prolonged community unrest.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the Federal Government’s renewed engagement with Ogoni stakeholders as a “demonstration of hope” and a fresh beginning founded on dialogue, peace, and mutual respect.

Ojulari made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Ogoniland by a Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The visit forms part of ongoing confidence-building efforts ahead of the planned re-entry into Oil Mining Lease 11 (OML-11).

In a statement signed on Tuesday by NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the GCEO said the engagement reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to resolving long-standing issues in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.

“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.”

Confronting a Painful Past

Ogoniland has remained a critical flashpoint in Nigeria’s oil history following decades of environmental pollution, community protests, and the crisis of the 1990s that led to the suspension of oil operations by Shell, which has since divested from its onshore assets.

Acknowledging the painful history of the area, Ojulari stressed that confronting the past was necessary to chart a more sustainable and inclusive future.

He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, chaired by Professor Don Baridam, as well as the Office of the National Security Adviser, for providing steady leadership and restoring confidence among key stakeholders.

Beyond Oil: Community and Environment at the Centre

According to Ojulari, NNPC Ltd.’s renewed mission in Ogoniland extends beyond crude oil production to prioritise environmental protection, livelihoods, and community wellbeing.

“We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he said.

As part of concrete steps toward community inclusion, the NNPC boss announced that 30 Ogoni indigenes have secured full-time employment with the national oil company.

“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,” Ojulari revealed.

“They will resume work in January 2026, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity.”

Rivers Government Commends Federal Efforts

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, praised President Tinubu for what he described as a sincere and sustained effort to resolve the Ogoni question, noting that early commitments were already being fulfilled.

“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 fulfil those promises, starting with road construction,” Fubara said.

The governor added that plans were underway for the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, and other critical infrastructure, alongside expanded employment opportunities for Ogoni youths.

“As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd.,” he confirmed.

Collective Effort for Sustainable Peace

Representing President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, commended Ogoni stakeholders and the Rivers State Government for their cooperation, describing the engagement as a collective effort to address inherited challenges.

“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 added that Rivers State has become one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the improvement to effective leadership and strong community collaboration.

Strategic Importance of Ogoniland

Ogoniland hosts a significant portion of Oil Mining Lease 11, Nigeria’s largest onshore oil block, operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd. The area accounts for more than 40 per cent of OML-11’s recoverable reserves, making it central to Nigeria’s onshore oil revival strategy.

The renewed push for Ogoni re-entry gained momentum in late 2023 when President Tinubu approved the constitution of the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry. The committee was mandated to facilitate dialogue, rebuild trust, address security concerns, and ensure that any return of oil operations aligns with environmental remediation and sustainable community development