NNPCL Re-entry Signals Oil Revival, Jobs and Economic Reset for Ogoniland – Ojulari
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has signaled a major step toward restoring oil production and economic activity in Ogoniland, reaffirming its commitment to peace, responsible energy development and community-based growth in the oil-rich region.
Speaking during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland in Rivers State, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the renewed engagement as a turning point with far-reaching economic and investment implications.
“This visit is a demonstration of hope. It affirms the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to peace, dialogue, and rebuilding trust,” Ojulari said. “For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning, one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.”
Strategic Importance of Ogoniland
Ojulari acknowledged Ogoniland’s painful history but stressed that addressing legacy issues was critical to unlocking future value, particularly given the region’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s oil economy.
Operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), Oil Mining Lease 11 (OML-11) is Nigeria’s largest onshore oil block, with Ogoniland accounting for over 40 percent of its recoverable reserves.
According to Ojulari, NNPC Ltd’s renewed approach goes beyond crude oil extraction, placing strong emphasis on livelihoods, environmental protection and sustainable development.
“We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he stated.
Employment and Community Confidence
As part of confidence-building measures with direct economic impact, the NNPC Ltd boss announced progress on local employment for Ogoni indigenes.
“I am delighted to share that one of our commitments to the people of Ogoni is becoming a reality,” Ojulari said. “The process for the full-time employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes has reached its final stage, with employment offers already issued. They will resume work in January 2026.”
Rivers State Government Welcomes Development
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, said the renewed engagement was already translating into tangible development outcomes, laying the foundation for long-term economic recovery in Ogoniland.
“We had our first meeting with Mr President, and certain commitments were made to improve the quality of life in Ogoniland,” Fubara said. “He has begun to fulfil those promises, starting with road construction. We were assured of confidence-building efforts, a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park and employment opportunities.”
The governor described the employment of 30 Ogoni youths by NNPC Ltd as an early dividend of the re-entry process.
“As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd,” he said.
Security Improvements Boost Confidence
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu, linked improved security conditions in Rivers State to the progress being recorded in Ogoniland.
“Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country,” Ribadu said. “That’s largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland.”
The renewed engagement by NNPC Ltd is widely seen as a critical step toward restoring investor confidence, reviving stalled oil assets and resetting economic prospects in a region long affected by conflict, pollution and lost opportunity.
