Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has stated that the re-entry into Ogoniland is not solely to resume oil and gas production, but to chart a path to peace, ensuring fairness, justice and environmental sustainability.
Ojulari stated this on Wednesday when members of the Presidential Committee on the Ogoni Consultations presented their report to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
Speaking during the presentation of the report, Tinubu acknowledged that the Ogoni people have endured long years of pain, and that this re-entry reflects the government’s recognition of their sacrifices.
“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 President said. “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,” he added.
President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to engage the NNPCL, the Ogoni people, and other relevant stakeholders with a view to finalising the modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
Ojulari said the development re-affirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to the Ogoni re-entry plan and a bold step towards justice, healing, and national prosperity.
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According to a statement signed by Andy Odeh, the NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Ojulari stressed that the re-entry demonstrates that Nigeria can confront its past, honour the sacrifices of its communities, and forge a new path with a vision of prosperity and justice for all. “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 said.
Tinubu and the NNPCL GCEO commended the Presidential Committee on the Ogoni Consultations, chaired by Professor Don Baridam for the dedication and wisdom demonstrated by its members in guiding the process.
The NNPCL boss equally expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for convening the committee that brought diverse stakeholders together, creating the platform for dialogue and consensus that led to the significant milestone achieved in resolving the Ogoni controversy.
“The lesson is that this journey cannot be driven solely by production volumes. It must be anchored on justice, equity, sustainability, and most importantly, collaboration with the very people whose land bears this wealth,” he stated.
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Ojulari assured that when NNPCL resumes operations in Ogoni, it will prioritize community engagements with important stakeholders, make infrastructure investments, and support local businesses in order to continue fostering confidence.
Particularly on infrastructure upgrades, the NNPCL GCEO confirmed that the national oil company has begun initiatives in road construction, and also economic empowerment programmes designed to rebuild trust and demonstrate accountability in an inclusive manner.
“NNPC Ltd is determined to transform Ogoniland from a symbol of conflict into a beacon of reconciliation, renewal, and sustainable progress,” Ojulari added.
Also, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, reaffirmed in his remarks that cooperation among all stakeholders can and will lead to sustained success.
Professor Baridam, speaking on behalf of the Committee, thanked the President for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Ogoni people and emphasised that through diplomacy and persistent insistence on dialogue, host community trust was earned and hope was restored. He said the report was the result of an intense, methodical, and transparent engagement.
Pinnacle Daily reports that the President gave stakeholders the assurance that the government is committed to deploying the necessary resources to address the Ogoni people’s concerns and bring about prosperity for all.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.
