Ogoni Peace Process a Pathway to National Renewal, Infrastructure Revival, Says NSA Ribadu
The Federal Government has described the ongoing peace process in Ogoniland, Rivers State, as a critical foundation for Nigeria’s long-term transformation, expressing optimism that decades of unrest are giving way to stability, development and renewed national confidence.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stated this on Monday during a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where he led a presidential delegation comprising the Ministers of Works, David Umahi; Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Ribadu said the engagement with Ogoni leaders and stakeholders marks a decisive shift from confrontation to dialogue, noting that the area, which has not witnessed oil exploration for more than 30 years, now represents a symbol of hope for Nigeria’s future.
“Ogoni is emerging as a defining moment for Nigeria,” the NSA said, adding that the country was entering a new phase anchored on trust, cooperation and shared responsibility between government and local communities.
He explained that the visit was undertaken on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appreciate the Rivers State Government and Ogoni stakeholders for creating an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and peace, describing Rivers as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
Ribadu commended Governor Fubara for his leadership, saying sustained peace in the Niger Delta was central to national stability and economic recovery.
The Federal Government is currently engaging Ogoni leaders on the possible resumption of oil exploration, following years of agitation that culminated in the suspension of activities in the area. As part of the process, an Ogoni dialogue committee, led by former University of Port Harcourt Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Don Baridam, with cleric Ignatius Kattey as co-chair, has concluded consultations across Ogoniland and submitted its report to the President.
Read Also:
Speaking during the visit, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as vital to national unity and development, assuring that all sections of the East–West Road traversing the Niger Delta would be completed to standard.
He disclosed that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the road, which includes five flyovers, is progressing steadily, with one flyover being handled by the Rivers State Government. According to him, the over ₦200 billion project is expected to be completed by April 2026.
Umahi also revealed that plans are underway to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road, with presidential approval granted for its redesign up to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers. He added that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway has been redesigned to pass through Ogoniland, further integrating the area into national infrastructure planning.
On his part, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Ogoni clean-up project, noting that recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), including mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development and women empowerment, are being implemented.
NNPCL representative, Bayo Ojulari, said the company remains fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process, stressing that future engagements would prioritise the well-being of the people. He disclosed that 30 Ogoni indigenes have been offered employment by the company, with resumption scheduled for January 2026.
Responding, Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as a demonstration of genuine concern for Rivers State and the Niger Delta.
The governor said resolving a crisis that had persisted for over three decades required courage and political will, noting that visible improvements on the East–West Road have already eased movement and restored confidence among residents.
“Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of crisis,” Fubara said, pledging his administration’s continued support for the peace process and commitment to addressing emerging conflicts to sustain stability in the state.
The visit underscored the Federal Government’s broader strategy of combining dialogue, infrastructure development and community engagement to address long-standing challenges in the Niger Delta.
By PRNigeria
