Resuming oil production in Ogoni is about delivering justice, not oil – Ojulari

Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has said that the re-entry into Ogoniland is not just about oil and gas but about justice, healing, and charting a new future for Nigeria.

Ojulari, who stated this during the presentation of the Ogoni Consultations Report at the State House in Abuja, said that Ogoni re-entry can be seen as both a test and an opportunity for the country.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately commence engagements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Ogoni communities in Rivers State, and other stakeholders for the resumption of oil production.

Oil exploration in Ogoniland was halted in 1993 following widespread protests by the indigenes against environmental degradation.

However, commenting on the President’s directive, Ojulari said the re-entry 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 Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda translates into reality by strengthening our country, creating conditions for responsible investment, while prioritising the prosperity of host communities.

“The re-entry demonstrates that Nigeria can 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.

Ojulari acknowledged the pivotal leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, in convening a committee that brought diverse stakeholders together, creating the platform for dialogue and consensus that made this breakthrough possible.

He also commended the work of Professor Don Baridam and members of the Presidential Committee, who engaged with all relevant parties to produce a report that tells a story of fairness and inclusivity that will ultimately bring closure and renew hope for the Ogoni people and all Nigerians.

“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,” he stated.

To that end, Ojulari was categorical that in resuming operations in Ogoni, NNPC Ltd will continue to build trust by prioritising community engagements with key stakeholders, investing in infrastructure, and empowering local enterprise.

He confirmed that NNPC has already begun initiatives in road construction, infrastructure upgrades, and economic empowerment programs designed to rebuild trust and demonstrate accountability inclusively. “NNPC Ltd is determined to transform Ogoniland from a symbol of conflict into a beacon of reconciliation, renewal, and sustainable progress,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, echoed the general sentiments that sustainable progress is possible and proven through collaboration with all parties concerned.