In a significant move signaling a potential turning point, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace, engaging in genuine dialogue, and pursuing responsible energy development in the historically marginalized and environmentally impacted region of Ogoniland, Rivers State.
The declaration was made by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, during a high-level Federal Government delegation visit to the region. Ojulari framed the visit as a “demonstration of hope” and a “new beginning” built on partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
This statement is not made in a vacuum. It must be understood within the complex and painful history of Ogoniland, which became a global symbol of environmental degradation and community conflict following the activism of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) in the 1990s. For decades, oil extraction by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) under the NNPC joint venture was met with protests over pollution, lack of development, and political marginalization, leading to a virtual shutdown of oil production since 1993.
Ojulari’s speech directly acknowledged this history, stating that “recognising the past is essential to building a different future.” This represents a critical, if symbolic, shift from past corporate postures. The practical manifestation of this new approach was highlighted with a concrete deliverable: the final-stage employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPC Ltd., with offers issued and resumption slated for January 2026.
This employment initiative, while modest, is a tangible confidence-building measure. It moves beyond rhetoric to address a core grievance—economic exclusion and the lack of direct benefit from the resources extracted from their land.
The broader context of this renewed engagement is the Federal Government’s push, under President Bola Tinubu, to resolve the protracted impasse and resume oil production in Ogoniland, which sits on a highly lucrative asset. OML 11, operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), is Nigeria’s largest onshore oil block, with Ogoniland holding over 40% of its recoverable reserves. The economic imperative for the government and NNPC is clear, but the lesson from history is that any resumption without community trust and tangible benefits is doomed to fail.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, expressed gratitude for the President’s commitment, outlining a broader package of promised developments that extend far beyond employment. These include critical infrastructure projects already initiated, like road construction, and future plans for a University of Environment, hospitals, and an industrial park. This suggests the NNPC’s “responsible energy development” pledge may be part of a larger, government-backed social compact for the region.
Representing President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu thanked stakeholders for their efforts, indicating that security and stability are prerequisites for any sustainable development. The involvement of the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Prof. Don Baridam, further underscores a structured, multi-stakeholder approach to this sensitive issue.
Analysis: A Cautious Path Forward
NNPC Ltd.’s commitment marks a necessary first step, but its ultimate test will be in consistent, transparent, and equitable implementation. Responsible energy development in this context must mean:
- Environmental Remediation: Going beyond the long-stalled UNEP report recommendations to actively clean up polluted land and water.
- Community-Led Governance: Ensuring Ogoni communities have a decisive voice in the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects that affect them.
- Economic Inclusion: Expanding the 30 jobs into meaningful local content policies, skills development, and support for indigenous businesses.
- Transparent Partnerships: Moving from a model of extraction to one of authentic partnership where benefits are clearly defined and delivered.
The promise of peace and responsible development in Ogoniland is a monumental one. While the NNPC’s renewed vows and initial actions are positive signals, the true measure of this “new beginning” will be written in the coming years through accountable action, environmental restoration, and the tangible improvement of livelihoods for the Ogoni people.
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
