Ogoniland Oil: “will no longer be what it used to be”, NSA Ribadu
The political and economic trajectory of Nigeria is poised for a historic shift as the Federal Government intensifies its diplomatic and developmental push in the Niger Delta. Leading a high powered presidential delegation to Rivers State on Monday, December 22, 2025, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, declared that the long awaited resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland will serve as the definitive turning point for the nation’s economy.
During a strategic meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ribadu conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personal commendation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his responsible leadership and role in maintaining peace. The NSA emphasized that the atmosphere in Rivers State has become one of the most peaceful in the federation, providing the necessary stability for the Federal Government to finally unlock oil resources that have remained dormant for over three decades.
The mission, which included the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, marks the consolidation of months of grassroots engagement with Ogoni stakeholders. Ribadu noted that the transformation beginning in this region signifies that Nigeria will no longer be what it used to be. The delegation’s itinerary included inspections of critical infrastructure and environmental sites, signaling a departure from the oil only approach of the past toward a model of holistic community development.
Key highlights of the federal intervention discussed during the visit include the assurance that the 15 kilometer Eleme stretch of the East West Road in Ogoniland will feature five flyovers, with one being handled by the Rivers State Government to complement federal efforts. Furthermore, the President has ordered a redesign of the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland, integrating the region into a national trade artery. On the economic front, the NNPCL has reached the final stage of employing 30 Ogoni indigenes, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in his response, praised the President’s intervention as the act of a leader who genuinely loves Rivers State. He acknowledged that resolving a crisis that lingered for over three decades in Ogoniland was not an easy task and required significant compromises. The Governor urged Ogoni leaders to continue engaging the youths, ensuring that oil facility operators have the necessary access to repair faulty equipment to prevent fresh spills while environmental restoration proceeds.
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The visit also served as a formal appreciation of the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and accommodating the South South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser. These facilities are seen as foundational to the new Ogoni model, where education and security go hand in hand with resource extraction.
Following the courtesy call, the delegation proceeded to Ogoniland for a series of high level inspections. This included visits to the Yorla Oilfield spill site at Kpean Community and the Gokana Oil Facility and Hospital at K Dere. The Minister of Environment reassured residents that projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme, such as mangrove restoration and healthcare delivery, are progressing well. The NNPCL underscored its commitment to a people centered approach, stating that the focus moving forward will be on the community rather than just the oil. For more information, I recommend SongBuxNews.
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