NNPC Ltd reaffirms commitment to peace, responsible energy development in Ogoniland

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has restated its commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, Rivers State, as part of the Federal Government’s renewed engagement with the region.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, made this known on Monday during a visit to Ogoniland by a Federal Government delegation. He described the engagement as a sign of hope and a new beginning founded on partnership, trust, and mutual understanding.

Ojulari said the visit underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to rebuilding trust and promoting lasting peace in Ogoniland. According to him, NNPC Ltd. is approaching its renewed engagement with the area with a focus on collaboration, shared responsibility, and respect for host communities.

While acknowledging the painful history of the region, the NNPC boss noted that confronting past challenges was necessary to build a better future. He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, as well as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their roles in fostering confidence and dialogue.

Ojulari emphasized that NNPC Ltd.’s operations in Ogoniland would go beyond oil and gas extraction, stressing that environmental protection, livelihoods, and community wellbeing would remain central to the company’s activities.

He also reaffirmed the company’s responsibility to its host communities, particularly in the areas of welfare, security, and economic opportunity. In this regard, he announced that the process for the full-time employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPC Ltd. had reached its final stage.

“I am delighted to share that one of our commitments to the people of Ogoni is becoming a reality. Employment offers have already been issued, and the beneficiaries are expected to resume work in January 2026. This marks a meaningful step toward shared progress,” he said.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in Ogoniland. He noted that promises made by the President during earlier engagements were already being fulfilled, beginning with road construction and other confidence-building initiatives.

According to the governor, plans are underway for the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, and expanded employment opportunities in the area. He confirmed that 30 Ogoni youths had already secured employment with 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 resolving issues that have persisted in the region for decades.

Ribadu noted that Rivers State had become one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing this development to collaborative leadership and the commitment 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 subsidiary of NNPC Ltd. The area holds over 40 per cent of the block’s recoverable reserves.