NNPC commits to peace, responsible energy development in Ogoniland

NNPC's Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, described the federal government’s renewed engagement as a demonstration of hope and a new beginning built on partnership and understanding.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible energy development in Ogoniland.

The NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, said this in his remarks during a federal government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland, in Rivers Stat.

Mr Ojulari, in a statement on Tuesday by Andy Odeh, the NNPC Ltd’s chief corporate communications officer, described the federal government’s renewed engagement as a demonstration of hope and a new beginning built on partnership and understanding.

“This visit is a demonstration of hope. It affirms the commitment of the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to peace, dialogue, and rebuilding trust.

“For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning—one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” Mr Ojulari stated.

While acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, Mr Ojulari emphasised that recognising the past is essential to building a different future.

He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Don Baridam, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their steady leadership in building confidence and trust.

He said the NNPC’s mission in Ogoniland was beyond resource extraction, and placed people, livelihoods, and the environment at the centre of its operations.

Reaffirming NNPC’s responsibility to host communities, Mr Ojulari offered assurances on welfare, security, and opportunity.

“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,” he said.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s “commitment” to finding lasting solutions to the protracted issue in Ogoniland, which is now beginning to yield positive results.

“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,” Mr Fubara said.

In his remarks, Mr Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu, thanked the Rivers governor and Ogoniland stakeholders for their collective efforts in addressing long-standing challenges inherited in the region.

Located in Ogoniland and operated by the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC, is OML-11 is Nigeria’s largest onshore block, with Ogoniland holding over 40 per cent of its recoverable reserves.

(NAN)