The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has restated its commitment to peace, dialogue and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, as the Federal Government renewed engagement with stakeholders in the oil-producing area of Rivers State.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, spoke during a visit to Ogoniland by a Federal Government delegation, describing the engagement as a symbol of hope and a fresh beginning anchored on partnership and understanding.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Andy Odeh, Ojulari said the visit underscored the Federal Government’s determination, under President Bola Tinubu, to rebuild trust and sustain peace in the long-troubled region.
“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,” Ojulari said.
“For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning—one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.”
While acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, the NNPC boss stressed that confronting the past remained critical to shaping a different and more inclusive future for the people.
He praised the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, chaired by Prof. Don Baridam, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for their consistent leadership in fostering confidence and trust among stakeholders.
Ojulari noted that NNPCL’s engagement in Ogoni land extended beyond oil and gas operations, with a focus on people, livelihoods and environmental responsibility.
Reaffirming the company’s obligations to its host communities, he assured residents of improved welfare, security and economic opportunities.
“I am delighted to share that one of our commitments to the people of Ogoni is becoming a reality,” he said.
“The process for the full-time employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes has reached its final stage, with employment offers already issued.”
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He added that the successful applicants would resume work in January 2026, describing the move as a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for host communities.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s sustained efforts to resolve the decades-long Ogoniland crisis, noting that concrete actions were already yielding results.
Fubara said the state’s first engagement with the President produced commitments aimed at improving the quality of life in Ogoni land, many of which were now being implemented.
“He has begun to fulfil those promises, starting with road construction,” the governor said.
“We were assured of confidence-building efforts, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, employment opportunities, and several other initiatives.”
He confirmed that 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin had already secured employment with NNPCL, describing the development as a major boost for local youths.
Speaking on behalf of the President, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, thanked the Rivers State Government and Ogoniland stakeholders for their cooperation in tackling long-standing challenges in the area.
Ogoniland hosts Oil Mining Lease 11 (OML-11), operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, a key upstream subsidiary of NNPCL.
The block is Nigeria’s largest onshore asset, with Ogoniland accounting for more than 40 per cent of its recoverable reserves.
The renewed engagement is expected to pave the way for sustained peace, environmental restoration and inclusive development in the region.
NAN
