Re-entry into Ogoniland about justice, not just oil exploration, says NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says the plan to restart production in Ogoniland is not just about oil and gas but a pursuit of justice.

According to a statement on Friday by Andy Odeh, NNPC chief corporate communications officer, Bayo Ojulari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the company, spoke during the presentation of the Ogoni consultations report at the State House in Abuja.

The GCEO said the re-entry marks a historic turning point for Nigeria.

Ojulari described the development as a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to the Ogoni re-entry plan and a bold step towards justice, healing, and national prosperity.

He emphasised that the re-entry reflects Nigeria’s ability to confront its past, honour the sacrifices of its communities, and forge a new path with a vision of prosperity and justice for all.

“The re-entry into Ogoniland is not just about oil and gas. It is about justice, healing, and charting a new future for our nation,” Ojulari said.

“Ogoni re-entry can be seen as both a test and an opportunity for the country. It demonstrates that equity can exist in national development, and oil can co-exist with environmental stewardship and inclusive nation-building.

“This milestone is a practical example of how President’s Renewed Hope Agenda translates into reality by strengthening our country, creating conditions for responsible investment, while prioritising the prosperity of host communities.”

He acknowledged the pivotal leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser, in convening a stakeholder committee that created the dialogue and consensus that made the breakthrough possible.

The GCEO also commended the work of Don Baridam, chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, who engaged with relevant parties to produce a report that showed fairness and inclusivity.

“The lesson is that this journey cannot be driven solely by production volumes. It must be anchored on justice, equity, sustainability, and most importantly, collaboration with the very people whose land bears this wealth,” Ojulari said.

He said in resuming operations in Ogoni, NNPC will continue to build trust by prioritising community engagements with key stakeholders, investing in infrastructure, and empowering local enterprise.

Ojulari said NNPC has already embarked on road construction, infrastructure upgrades, and economic empowerment programmes aimed at rebuilding trust and promoting accountability in an inclusive way.

“NNPC Ltd. is determined to transform Ogoni land from a symbol of conflict into a beacon of reconciliation, renewal, and sustainable progress,” he said.

‘RE-ENTRY REFLECTS RECOGNITION OF OGONI PEOPLE’S SACRIFICES’

On his part, President Bola Tinubu said the re-entry reflected the government’s recognition of the Ogoni people’s sacrifices.

The president acknowledged that the Ogoni people have endured long years of pain.

“This milestone reflects the spirit of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which commits to building a stronger country, attracting responsible investment and ensuring community development for national progress,” he said.

“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. We declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us.”

On September 24, Tinubu posthumously conferred the national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage and Samuel Orage, collectively known as the ‘Ogoni Four’.

The next day, Tinubu directed Ribadu to begin engagement with Ogoni communities, the NNPC, and other stakeholders to finalise the restart of oil production in the region.