ABUJA, September 24, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Ogoni people, and other key stakeholders to finalise modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Tinubu gave the directive on Wednesday after receiving the report of the Presidential Committee on the Ogoni Consultations, chaired by Professor Don Baridam, at the State House, Abuja. The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, led the Ogoni delegation to the presentation ceremony.
The President also conferred posthumous national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on four sons of Ogoniland who died in the struggle for environmental justice: Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Bade, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage. In June, Tinubu had also honoured Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists killed under the Sani Abacha regime.
While commending the Baridam committee for its dedication and wisdom, Tinubu urged Ogoni people to embrace dialogue and unity, assuring them that his administration remains committed to safeguarding their environment.
“We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. We recognise that, otherwise, we would not be here today. The Federal Government truly acknowledges the long suffering of the Ogoni people, and today, we declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us,” the President said.
President Tinubu also acknowledged the sacrifices of the Ogoni people in their fight for justice and environmental protection.
He directed the Minister of Environment and the NSA to integrate programmes into a broader dialogue and implementation process.
“Accordingly, I am directing the National Security Adviser to commence immediately the engagement between the Ogoni people and NNPCL and all relevant stakeholders with a view to finalising modalities to begin operations. We must start by addressing non-valuable assets, which are of no benefit to the community, the country, or its people.”
The President assured stakeholders of government’s readiness to deploy resources to address Ogoni concerns and achieve shared prosperity.
“I urge Ogoni people across the communities and generations to close ranks, put this dark chapter behind us, and move forward as a united community. We have settled. This reconciliation is not an erasure of history but the commitment to write the next chapter together. I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production under an equitable tax system.”
Tinubu reaffirmed that the Federal Government will provide the necessary resources to support Ogoniland’s march toward development and prosperity.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara commended the President’s confidence-building measures, which he said had improved progress on the East-West Road project. He added that the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology was another positive development.
NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu noted that President Tinubu had earlier approved steps to build trust among stakeholders, including constituting the governing council of the University of Environment and Technology and advancing work on the East-West Road. He said these actions encouraged stakeholders to put aside differences and produce a collective report.
“All through the process, tensions and divisions were carefully mediated, and a spirit of dialogue prevailed over confrontation, leading to a constructive and all-inclusive consultation process. This report, being formally presented to your excellency today, is the outcome of that intensive, methodical and transparent engagement.
“While not forgetting past injustices, all parties have reached a point of collective readiness to see the responsible resumption of oil production in Ogoniland anchored on fairness, equity, environmental responsibility and direct community benefit.
“Also, there has been a call in unison to reposition the hydrocarbon pollution remediation project, HYPREP, given the convergence of environmental remediation and renewed operations, in a manner that synchronises with the dialogue process.”
Ribadu further stressed the need for structured Ogoni participation through equity development funds, employment, and institutional engagement.
Committee Chairman, Professor Don Baridam, praised President Tinubu’s commitment to Ogoniland’s welfare.
“Your decision to create this committee under the leadership of the National Security Adviser has proven foresight and right. His steady hand via diplomacy and relentless insistence on dialogue has earned the trust of other communities and restored hope that had long been thwarted.”
Baridam also thanked Tinubu for the posthumous honours conferred on Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other members of the Ogoni-nine, describing it as an acknowledgment of their sacrifices for justice and human rights in the Niger Delta. GMTNewsng
