The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as responsible and peaceful leadership, saying President Bola Tinubu is pleased with his performance.

Ribadu said Rivers State remains one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the calm to the governor’s leadership style. He made the remarks on Monday while leading a presidential delegation on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.

The delegation included the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

According to Ribadu, the Federal Government delegation was in Rivers State to strengthen ongoing peace efforts in Ogoniland, noting that a new phase of development and reconciliation is unfolding in the area.

He disclosed that President Tinubu personally directed him to thank Governor Fubara and convey his satisfaction with the governor’s coordination of discussions surrounding the possible resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni. Ribadu also expressed the President’s appreciation to the Ogoni people for their patience, cooperation, and support for the peace process.

The NSA further praised the Rivers State Government for hosting the University of Environment campus and accommodating the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Speaking during the visit, Minister of Works David Umahi described the Ogoni Peace Initiative as crucial to Nigeria’s unity and stability, stressing that President Tinubu has shown strong personal interest in the welfare of Niger Delta communities.

Umahi assured that all sections of the East–West Road would be completed to standard, revealing that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis in Ogoniland includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government. He said the over ₦200 billion project is expected to be completed by April next year.

He also disclosed that the President has approved plans to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road and ordered a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland.

On his part, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal reaffirmed that the Ogoni clean-up project remains a top priority, noting progress in mangrove restoration, healthcare services, human capital development, and women empowerment initiatives recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the company is fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process, adding that the focus going forward would be on the welfare of the people rather than oil alone. He disclosed that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPCL is at an advanced stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026.

In his response, Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as a clear demonstration of love for Rivers State. He noted that resolving a crisis that lasted over three decades in Ogoniland required courage and commitment.

Fubara said the President’s intervention has improved movement along the East–West Road linking Bonny and Bayelsa, while also restoring confidence in the region. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining peace and managing conflicts, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of unrest.

The governor also appealed to Ogoni leaders to encourage youths to allow oil facility operators access to repair damaged infrastructure to prevent further environmental damage while clean-up efforts continue.