… As FG assures Niger Delta roads will be opened
… Lagos-Calabar road to be redesigned to pass through Ogoni land
… Ogoni clean up is still top priority
The Federal Government has said that resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni area of Rivers State could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s economic development.
This was as government officials expressed optimism that a new chapter is unfolding in Ogoni that could aid Nigeria’s economic transformation.
This became evident as Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) led a delegation, comprising David Umahi and Balarabe Lawal, Ministers of Works and Environment respectively, and officials of NNPCL on a visit to Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State Governor, at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday December 22, 2025.
Ribadu commended Governor Fubara for his leadership efforts, adding that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the governor.
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He described Rivers as one of the peaceful states in the country, noting that the delegation was in the state to consolidate on ongoing peace efforts in Ogoni areas.
Ribadu said that a new chapter is unfolding in the Ogoni ethnic nationality, and that Nigeria would no longer be what it used to be, with the transformation beginning from the area.
He said President Tinubu asked him to thank Governor Fubara, expressing happiness with his leadership style and coordination of discussions on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni.
Ribadu also expressed the President’s appreciation to the people of Ogoni for their support, patience, and understanding.
He commended the state government for providing a campus for the University of Environment as well as accommodating the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
David Umahi, Minister of Works, described the Ogoni Peace Initiative as strategic to the renewed unity of Nigeria, adding that Tinubu takes personal interest in the wellbeing of the Niger Delta people.
Umahi assured that all sections of the East–West Road, affecting the people of the Niger Delta, would be completed to standard. This will also include the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road, including five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government to support the effort of the President.
He said the over ₦200 billion project is scheduled for completion in April next year, adding that with presidential approval, designs are ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its starting point to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers.
The Minister of Works also said President Tinubu has ordered a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway so as to have the road pass through Ogoni land.
Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment said the Ogoni clean-up project remains a priority for his ministry, adding that the project, recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is moving according to recommendation, and include mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment initiatives.
Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), said the national oil company is committed to the Ogoni dialogue process, adding that going forward, the focus would be on the people rather than oil.
Ojulari noted that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPCL has reached the final stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026.
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Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State governor, in his response, commended President Tinubu for his intervention, adding that it reflects the actions of a leader who genuinely loves Rivers State.
Fubara noted that resolving a crisis that lingered for over three decades in Ogoni land was not an easy task.
He noted that with the President’s intervention, residents can now drive with ease along both ends of the East–West Road, connecting Bonny and Bayelsa.
Fubara also emphasised that beyond physical infrastructure, the President’s administration is rebuilding confidence in the region, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the peace process and managing emerging conflicts, noting that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of crisis.
The governor noted that adjustments and compromises are necessary for sustainable development to take place.
Fubara urged leaders in Ogoni land to engage the youths in a bid to allow facility operators access to repair faulty oil equipment in order to prevent fresh oil spills, while environmental remediation is ongoing.
