Port Harcourt – The Federal Government has expressed optimism that Ogoniland in Rivers State could become the turning point for Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, stated this while leading a Presidential delegation, which included the Ministers of Works, David Umahi, and Environment, Balarabe Lawal, to a courtesy visit with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at Government House on Monday.
The discussions focused on resuming oil exploration in Ogoni after decades of inactivity.
Ribadu recalled that Ogoni oil had remained untapped for over 30 years due to longstanding conflicts that halted exploration activities.
He thanked the Ogoni leadership and Governor Fubara for creating an environment conducive to dialogue and progress.
“We are here as a delegation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to work with the people of Ogoni and demonstrate unity in addressing inherited challenges.”
“Ogoni is looking like the turning point for Nigeria today. A new chapter is being opened, and Nigeria will not be what it used to be again,” Ribadu said.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as strategic to Nigeria’s renewed unity.
He assured that sections of the East–West Road affecting the Niger Delta would be completed, including five flyovers on the 15-kilometre Eleme axis.
A redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland is also underway.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, confirmed that the Ogoni clean-up project remains a priority. Initiatives recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme, including mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women’s empowerment, are progressing steadily.
Bayo Ojulare of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) highlighted that the focus going forward will be on people rather than oil, with 30 Ogoni indigenes set to join the company in January 2026.
Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, noting that resolving a crisis that lingered for over three decades was no easy task.
He emphasized that beyond infrastructure, the administration is rebuilding confidence and fostering peace in the region.
“The first section of the East–West Road is now motorable, connecting Bonny and Bayelsa, reflecting tangible results of the President’s bold leadership,” Fubara said.
