National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu yesterday led a presidential delegation to Ogoni, Rivers State, to consolidate peace talks aimed at resuming oil production in the region.
The delegation, which met Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Port Harcourt, included Works Minister Dave Umahi, Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, and NNPCL Group Managing Director Bayo Ojulari.
Oil exploration in Ogoni was halted in 1993 after violent protests over environmental degradation from spills and gas flaring, forcing Shell to suspend operations. Successive governments failed to resolve the crisis until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established a peace committee comprising all stakeholders.
Following the President’s pardon and national honours for Ogoni activists, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, the stage was set for renewed talks.
During the meeting, NSA Ribadu praised Governor Fubara for his responsible leadership, noting that Rivers is now regarded as one of the most peaceful states. He thanked the Ogoni people for their patience and cooperation and commended the state government for supporting initiatives such as the University of Environment campus and the South-South NSA office.
Works Minister Umahi revealed that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will be redesigned to pass through Ogoni land, with completion expected next year. Environment Minister Lawal reaffirmed the priority of UNEP-recommended clean-up projects, while NNPCL’s Ojulari announced that 30 Ogoni indigenes would begin work in January, signaling a focus on people over oil.
Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, urging youths to support remediation efforts. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the peace process, stressing that development requires stability and cooperation.
