The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has described the return of oil operations to Ogoniland as a powerful moment in the country’s history one that transcends resource extraction and points toward reconciliation, justice, and national renewal.
In a statement released on Friday by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the NNPCL said the re-entry marks not only a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s energy landscape, but also embodies the broader goals of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The renewed presence in Ogoniland is about rebuilding trust, attracting responsible investment, and putting communities first in Nigeria’s national development journey,” the statement read.
During the formal presentation of the Ogoni Consultations Report at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged the decades of suffering endured by the Ogoni people, assuring that their sacrifices are neither forgotten nor taken for granted.
“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,” the President stated.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bashir Ojulari, described the development as a historic step toward healing old wounds and forging a new, inclusive path forward.
“This moment is not just about oil and gas. It is about equity, justice, and redefining the future of national development. The re-entry into Ogoniland symbolises our ability to confront our past and chart a more equitable and sustainable future,” Ojulari said.
He added that the renewed engagement with the Ogoni people demonstrates that environmental protection, economic development, and local empowerment can and must co-exist.
Ojulari credited the success of the re-entry to the tireless work of the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-Entry, led by Don Baridam, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for creating the platform that allowed diverse voices to reach consensus.
He noted that their transparent and consultative process produced a report that lays the groundwork for trust, fairness, and long-term development in the region.
“The lesson is clear, this journey cannot be driven by profit or production volumes alone. It must be anchored on justice, sustainability, and true partnership with the communities whose land bears this resource,” Ojulari said.
In a bid to prove its renewed commitment, NNPCL has already begun rolling out infrastructure upgrades, road construction, and local economic empowerment programs. Ojulari said these efforts are aimed at demonstrating accountability and building long-term credibility with the Ogoni people.
“NNPC Ltd is committed to transforming Ogoniland from a site of conflict into a symbol of reconciliation and sustainable growth,” he said.
In his remarks, NSA Nuhu Ribadu praised the consultation process, saying the progress was made possible through open dialogue and mutual respect. Professor Baridam echoed that view, stressing that host communities responded positively once diplomacy and inclusion became the norm.
Baridam added that the successful re-entry into Ogoni should serve as a global case study.
“This is a clear signal to the international community that oil and gas operations don’t have to come at the expense of communities. With the right approach, energy development can align with environmental protection and shared prosperity,” he said.
He concluded by describing the milestone as proof that development in Nigeria is being redefined not as government-led or industry-driven alone, but as a three-way partnership between the state, investors, and the people.
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