More than three decades after oil exploration was halted in Ogoniland, fresh signs indicate that crude oil production in the area may soon resume, following sustained negotiations involving the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and key Ogoni stakeholders.

Oil activities in Ogoniland were suspended in 1993 after widespread protests over environmental degradation linked to the operations of multinational oil companies. Since then, the area has remained largely shut out of Nigeria’s oil economy despite its vast reserves.

Recent developments, however, suggest a shift. A high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recently visited Ogoniland to consolidate the ongoing peace process and address long-standing demands of the Ogoni people.

The delegation included the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bashir Bayo Ojulari, among others.

Speaking during the visit, Ribadu expressed optimism that Ogoniland could become a symbol of national renewal. He described the renewed engagement as the beginning of a new chapter for both Ogoni and Nigeria, noting that meaningful change was underway.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, also reaffirmed his administration’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Niger Delta agenda, stating that the decades-long Ogoni crisis was gradually giving way to visible progress in infrastructure, employment and environmental remediation.

“For over 30 years, this challenge has persisted,” Fubara said. “I commend Mr President for the courage and determination to say, ‘Let us start from somewhere.’”

The Minister of Environment and the NNPCL chief executive assured residents that environmental concerns were being addressed, adding that 30 Ogoni youths had already been employed under a job creation initiative linked to ongoing remediation efforts.

MOSOP Projects Massive Job Creation

The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) welcomed the federal government’s approach, describing the renewed engagement as inclusive and dialogue-driven. MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated goodwill through road construction, environmental clean-up under HYPREP, the establishment of a university and plans for an industrial park.

Nsuke projected that ongoing developments could generate over 500,000 jobs in Ogoniland between 2026 and 2031. He urged Ogoni stakeholders to support the peace process, noting that while the people’s demands are legitimate, they cannot all be met at once.

Renewed Call for Bori State

During the NSA’s visit to Kpea community to inspect oil spill sites, residents staged a peaceful protest, calling for better healthcare, improved road infrastructure and the creation of Bori State.

In a moment that drew widespread attention, Ribadu briefly raised a placard reading “Bori State Our Stand,” sparking speculation about the federal government’s position on the demand. The gesture raised questions about the possibility of state creation, though no official commitment was made.

Despite the uncertainties, one thing remains clear: President Tinubu’s administration appears determined to restore peace in Ogoniland and restart oil production, with assurances that revenues generated will be judiciously used to drive development in the area.