Federal Delegation Led By Ribadu Moves To Strengthen Ogoni Peace Talks In Rivers

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to resolve the decades-long Ogoni crisis as National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, led a high-powered presidential delegation to Rivers State to advance peace talks aimed at resuming oil production in the area.

The delegation, which paid a courtesy visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt, included the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari.

Oil exploration in Ogoni land was halted in 1993 following widespread protests over environmental degradation caused by oil spills and gas flaring, forcing Shell to suspend operations amid international pressure. Multiple attempts by successive administrations to restart production failed until the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established a broad-based peace committee to address the grievances of all stakeholders.

The peace process gained momentum after stakeholders presented their demands, including calls for justice for executed Ogoni activists such as Ken Saro-Wiwa. In response, the President granted state pardons, conferred national honours on the late activists, and approved other measures that paved the way for renewed dialogue.

During the meeting, Ribadu conveyed President Tinubu’s commendation of Governor Fubara’s leadership, noting that Rivers State is now regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the country. He described developments in Ogoni land as a turning point for Nigeria, signalling the opening of a new chapter that would reshape the nation’s future.

The NSA said the President specifically directed him to express appreciation to both the Rivers State Government and the people of Ogoni for their patience, cooperation, and commitment to resolving a crisis that has persisted for over three decades. He also praised the state government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and hosting the South-South zonal office of the National Security Adviser.

Ribadu further appealed to the state government to deploy personnel to operate four hospitals being established in Ogoni land as part of broader development efforts.

In his remarks, Minister of Works Dave Umahi disclosed that President Tinubu has approved a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoni land. He added that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road would feature five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government, with the over ₦200 billion project expected to be completed by April next year. Umahi also confirmed that plans are underway to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road, including the construction of two additional flyovers.

Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Ogoniland clean-up project, stressing that initiatives recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme remain a priority. These include mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment programmes.

NNPCL Group Managing Director Bayo Ojulari announced that 30 Ogoni indigenes would commence employment with the company in January, adding that the corporation’s renewed focus would prioritise host communities alongside energy production.

In his response, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his decisive intervention, describing the resolution of the Ogoni issue as a bold step that reflects genuine concern for Rivers State. He noted that the President’s actions have improved mobility along the East–West Road and restored confidence across the South-South region.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and urged Ogoni leaders to engage youths to allow oil facility operators access to repair faulty equipment, warning that continued vandalism could undermine environmental remediation efforts.

At a separate event in the state, Governor Fubara declared that his administration possesses the political capacity to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, describing such support as a gesture of appreciation for the protection and backing Rivers State has received from the Presidency.