The Federal Government’s re-entry into Ogoniland to resume oil operations has been hailed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) as a “historic turning point” anchored on reconciliation and justice.
The announcement came during the presentation of the Ogoni Consultations Report at the State House recently.
President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the community’s long-standing struggles, emphasising that the government recognises the suffering endured by the Ogoni people.
READ ALSO: NNPC revenue hits N4.655trn as production dips amid maintenance
“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,” Tinubu said.
He affirmed that the move reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to responsible investment and prioritising community development, adding, “We declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us.”
Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, described the re-entry as a powerful step toward justice and national prosperity.
“The re-entry into Ogoniland is not just about oil and gas. It is about justice, healing, and charting a new future for our nation,” Ojulari stated.
He stressed that the milestone serves as both a test and an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate that oil production can successfully “co-exist with environmental stewardship and inclusive nation-building.”
Ojulari noted that the resumption of operations will not be driven by production volumes alone but must be “anchored on justice, equity, sustainability, and most importantly, collaboration with the very people whose land bears this wealth.”
To ensure accountability and transparency, the NNPC confirmed it has already launched initiatives focusing on infrastructure upgrades, road construction, and economic empowerment programs.
Ojulari concluded that NNPC Ltd is determined to “transform Ogoniland from a symbol of conflict into a beacon of reconciliation, renewal, and sustainable progress.”
READ ALSO: NNPC receives ₦318bn for frontier oil exploration amid revenue concerns
Both the President and the NNPC GCEO acknowledged the pivotal role played by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in convening the committee, and Professor Don Baridam, who led the team in generating a report built on transparent dialogue with stakeholders to restore host community trust.
The re-entry is being showcased as a message to the international community, demonstrating how a resource-rich nation can successfully reconcile energy security with environmental protection by centring community benefit.
