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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bashir Ojulari, has reassured the company’s staunch commitment to peace, dialogue and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, describing the Federal Government’s renewed engagement as a “demonstration of hope” and “a new beginning built on partnership and understanding.”
Ojulari made the remarks during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland in Rivers State on Monday, emphasising the importance of building trust and fostering collaboration with host 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. For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning, one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” Ojulari said.
Acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, the GCEO stressed that recognizing past challenges is essential to creating a different future. He commended the leadership of the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, chaired by Professor Don Baridam, and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their steady efforts in building confidence and trust.
Ojulari outlined NNPC Ltd’s broader mission in Ogoniland, noting that the company’s work extends beyond resource extraction to prioritizing people, livelihoods, and environmental protection.
“We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he said.
He also highlighted tangible steps to support host communities, particularly in employment and welfare. “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. We look forward with pride to welcoming them as they resume work in January 2026, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for our communities,” Ojulari added.
Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s dedication to resolving long-standing issues in Ogoniland. “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. We were assured of confidence-building efforts, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, employment opportunities, and several other initiatives. As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd,” the governor said.
Representing the President, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu thanked the Governor and Ogoni stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing regional challenges. “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, and that’s largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland,” he remarked.
Located in Ogoniland and operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd., OML-11 is Nigeria’s largest onshore block, with Ogoniland holding over 40% of its recoverable reserves. The ongoing engagement highlights a deliberate effort to align resource development with peacebuilding, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment in the region.
