By Ayomide Otitoju
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., has reiterated the company’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, describing the Federal Government’s renewed engagement with the region as a “demonstration of hope” and a “new beginning built on partnership and understanding.” His remarks were made during a visit by a Nigerian federal delegation to Rivers State’s Ogoniland.
“This visit is a demonstration of hope. It affirms the commitment of the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to peace, dialogue, and rebuilding trust. For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” Ojulari said.
Acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, Ojulari emphasized that confronting the past is essential to building a better future. He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their steady leadership in fostering confidence and trust within the communities.
Ojulari highlighted that NNPC Ltd.’s mission in Ogoniland goes beyond resource extraction, focusing instead on people, livelihoods, and environmental protection. “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, Ojulari provided an update on welfare and employment initiatives. “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 offers already issued. We look forward to welcoming them in January 2026, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity,” he said.
He also cited progress on infrastructure and development initiatives promised to Ogoniland, including road construction, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, and other employment opportunities. “As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd.,” Ojulari added.
Representing President Tinubu during the engagement, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu thanked the Governor of Rivers State and stakeholders from Ogoniland for their cooperation in addressing the region’s long-standing challenges.
“We stand united today because of the Ogoni people, and we come to thank them on Nigeria’s behalf. Rivers State is now among the most peaceful in the country, a testament to the responsible governance and resilience of Ogoniland’s residents,” Ribadu said.
NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), the company’s upstream arm, operates OML‑11, Nigeria’s largest onshore block. Ogoniland accounts for more than 40 percent of its recoverable reserves, underscoring the strategic importance of sustainable development and community engagement in the region.
