President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Orders NSA to Lead Talks on Ogoni Oil Resumption

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately engage with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Ogoni community, and other stakeholders to finalize plans for restarting oil production in Ogoniland.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the directive on Wednesday after the Presidential Committee on the Ogoni Consultations, led by Professor Don Baridam, presented its report at the State House in Abuja. The Ogoni delegation was headed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stressed that his administration fully acknowledges the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. “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,” he declared. “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.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Directs Immediate Engagement

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed the NSA to begin consultations without delay, ensuring that the framework for restarting oil operations reflects inclusivity and transparency.

President Tinubu explained that the talks must prioritize addressing non-valuable assets that bring no benefit to the Ogoni people, the country, or its economy. “Accordingly, I am directing the National Security Adviser to commence immediately the engagement between the Ogoni people and NNPCL and all relevant stakeholders with a view to finalising modalities to begin operations,” he said.

President Tinubu added that the move was essential to rebuild trust with the Ogoni community while setting the stage for renewed economic activity in the Niger Delta region.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Highlights National and Local Impact

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized that resuming oil production in Ogoniland is not only an economic necessity but also a moral responsibility.

President Tinubu recalled the historic struggles of the Ogoni people, including decades of activism and demands for justice, noting that his administration is determined to avoid the mistakes of the past.

President Tinubu assured stakeholders that his government would pursue a path that balances environmental protection, community welfare, and national interest. He stressed that hope must be transformed into tangible progress through sustained dialogue and fair engagement.