Tinubu commends Fubara’s leadership as FG moves to deepen peace in Ogoniland

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commendation of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing the President as satisfied with the governor’s leadership and the prevailing atmosphere of peace in the state.

Ribadu made this known during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, where he led a high-powered presidential delegation comprising the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

According to the NSA, the delegation’s visit was part of federal efforts to strengthen and sustain the peace process in Ogoniland, a region that has witnessed decades of agitation, environmental degradation, and tension linked to oil exploration.

He noted that the Federal Government was determined to consolidate recent gains and usher in a new era of stability and development in the area.

Ribadu said President Tinubu specifically asked him to express appreciation to Governor Fubara for his leadership approach, particularly his coordination and openness during discussions surrounding the planned resumption of oil activities in Ogoni.

He described Rivers State as one of the most peaceful in the country at present, adding that the developments in Ogoniland signal a turning point not just for the region, but for Nigeria as a whole.

The NSA also conveyed the President’s gratitude to the people of Ogoni for their patience, cooperation, and support for the peace initiative.

He commended the Rivers State Government for hosting a campus of the University of Environment and for accommodating the South-South zonal office of the Office of the National Security Adviser, describing both as important contributions to regional development and security coordination.

Also, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the Ogoni peace process as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s quest for national unity.

He said President Tinubu has shown strong personal interest in the welfare of Niger Delta communities and is committed to addressing long-standing infrastructural and environmental challenges in the region.

Umahi assured that the East–West Road, a key transport corridor in the Niger Delta, would be completed to required standards.

He disclosed that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the road in Ogoniland includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government in support of federal efforts.

The project, valued at over N200 billion, is expected to be completed by April next year.

The works minister also revealed that, with presidential approval, designs are underway to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its origin to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers.

In addition, he said the President has directed that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway be redesigned to pass through Ogoniland, a move expected to boost economic activity and connectivity in the area.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed that the Ogoni clean-up remains a top priority for the Federal Government. He explained that projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) were progressing steadily, including mangrove restoration, healthcare services, human capital development programmes, and initiatives aimed at empowering women.

On his part, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the national oil company was fully committed to the ongoing dialogue process in Ogoniland.

He stressed that future engagements would prioritise the welfare of the people over oil production.

Ojulari disclosed that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPC has reached an advanced stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026.

He described the unfolding developments in Ogoni as a template for a “new Nigeria.”

Responding, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his intervention in Ogoniland, describing it as evidence of genuine concern for Rivers State and its people.

He acknowledged that resolving a crisis that had lingered for more than three decades was a complex task, but said the President’s decisive actions had made tangible progress possible.

The governor noted that improved security and infrastructure have made travel along key sections of the East–West Road, linking Bonny and Bayelsa, safer and more convenient.

He added that beyond roads and physical projects, the federal intervention has helped restore confidence and trust among communities in the region.

Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and managing emerging disputes, stressing that meaningful development could not thrive in an atmosphere of conflict.

He also appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage with youths to allow oil facility operators access to repair damaged infrastructure, warning that failure to do so could result in fresh oil spills even as environmental remediation efforts continue.

He noted that dialogue, compromise, and shared responsibility were essential for long-term peace and sustainable development in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.