Fresh details have emerged from the high-level meeting between the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in Port Harcourt.
The visit, which took place at the Rivers State Government House, centred on peace, development, and renewed engagement in Ogoniland.
Ribadu led a presidential delegation to the state, delivering a message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the direction of federal efforts in the Niger Delta.
According to Ribadu, President Tinubu is pleased with Governor Fubara’s approach to leadership and his handling of sensitive issues in the state.
He said the President specifically asked him to commend the governor for his calm disposition and his role in guiding discussions around the planned resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland.
The NSA described Rivers as one of the most peaceful states in the country at the moment. He said the federal delegation was in the state to strengthen existing peace initiatives, particularly in Ogoni communities.
Ribadu noted that a turning point had been reached in Ogoniland. He said the situation marked the beginning of a new phase, adding that Nigeria “will no longer be what it used to be,” with the process starting from the area.
He also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the people of Ogoni for their patience, cooperation, and willingness to engage in dialogue over the years. Ribadu said their support had made current progress possible.
The NSA further praised the Rivers State Government for hosting the University of Environment and for providing space for the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He said such gestures showed the state’s commitment to national development and security coordination.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, described the Ogoni peace drive as critical to national unity. He said President Tinubu had taken personal interest in addressing long-standing concerns in the Niger Delta.
Umahi assured that work on the East–West Road would be completed to required standards. He explained that the Eleme axis in Ogoniland covered about 15 kilometres and included five flyovers. He added that one of the flyovers was being handled by the Rivers State Government in support of the federal project.
The minister disclosed that the project, valued at over ₦200 billion, was expected to be completed by April next year. He also revealed that approval had been granted to begin designs for the dualisation of the Bonny–Bodo Road up to the East–West Road, with two flyovers included in the plan.
Umahi added that the President had directed a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to ensure it passes through Ogoniland.
The Minister of Environment said the Ogoni cleanup programme remained a major priority. He explained that projects outlined by the United Nations Environment Programme were ongoing, including mangrove restoration, healthcare services, skills development, and women-focused empowerment initiatives.
Also speaking, NNPCL representative Bayo Ojulare said the national oil company remained fully committed to dialogue in Ogoniland. He said the focus going forward would be on the people, not just oil production.
Ojulare disclosed that the recruitment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPCL was at an advanced stage. He said appointment letters had already been issued, with resumption scheduled for January 2026. He described the Ogoni process as a template for broader national reconciliation.
In his response, Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention. He said the gesture reflected genuine concern for Rivers State and its people.
The governor noted that resolving an issue that had lasted for over 30 years in Ogoniland required patience and cooperation. He said the President’s involvement had restored hope and improved movement along key sections of the East–West Road linking Bonny and Bayelsa.
Fubara stressed that beyond roads and infrastructure, the current efforts were rebuilding trust in the region. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining peace and addressing emerging disputes, saying development cannot survive in a crisis-ridden environment.
He added that compromise and adjustment were necessary for long-term growth.
The governor also appealed to Ogoni leaders to work with youths to allow access for repairs on oil facilities, in order to prevent fresh spills while cleanup activities continue.
