In a significant step toward healing decades of tension and revitalising regional development, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring responsible energy development in in Ogoniland.
Ojulari in a statement signed by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd on Tuesday, said that the company’s mission in Ogoniland goes beyond resource extraction, but one that places people, livelihoods, and the environment at the centre of its operations.
The GCEO, during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland, in Rivers State said, “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.
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“We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he said. Reaffirming NNPC Ltd.’s responsibility to host communities, the GCEO offered assurances on welfare, security, and opportunity.
While acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, the GCEO 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.
“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.
In his remarks, Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, commended President Tinubu’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to a decades-long, recurring issue in Ogoniland, which he said 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.” he said.
Also speaking, Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser of Nigeria, who represented President Tinubu during the engagement, thanked the Governor of Rivers State and stakeholders from Ogoniland for their cooperation and collective efforts in addressing long-standing challenges inherited in the region.
“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,” the NSA added.
Located in Ogoniland and operated by the 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 percent of its recoverable reserves.
