- He added that President Tinubu specifically instructed him to commend Governor Fubara for his leadership
- Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as strategic for Nigeria’s unity
- He noted that the East–West Road connecting Bonny and Bayelsa is now more accessible and safer for residents
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is pleased with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s stewardship of Rivers State, describing it as one of the most peaceful in the nation.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Ribadu made the statement while leading a federal delegation to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, which included the Ministers of Works, David Umahi; Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and senior officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
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The visit aimed to reinforce ongoing peace initiatives in Ogoniland and ensure smooth resumption of oil exploration activities in the region.
Ribadu highlighted that a “new chapter” is unfolding in Ogoni, emphasizing that Nigeria is witnessing transformation beginning from the area.
He added that President Tinubu specifically instructed him to commend Governor Fubara for his leadership and coordination in discussions surrounding the Ogoni peace and development projects.
The NSA also extended the President’s gratitude to the Ogoni people for their patience and support while the delegation lauded the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and accommodating the South-South Zonal Office of the NSA, signaling collaborative efforts toward regional development.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as strategic for Nigeria’s unity and stressed that the President remains personally invested in the welfare of the Niger Delta communities.
He confirmed that all segments of the East–West Road passing through the Niger Delta will be completed to specification. Notably, the 15-kilometre Eleme axis includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the state government to complement federal efforts, with the entire ₦200 billion project slated for completion in April 2026.
Umahi also noted that plans are underway, with presidential approval, to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its origin to the East–West Road, including two additional flyovers. The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is also being redesigned to pass through Ogoniland, ensuring enhanced connectivity and regional development.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reiterated that the Ogoni cleanup project remains a top priority, with UNEP-recommended programs progressing steadily. Initiatives include mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment schemes.
NNPC Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, affirmed the company’s commitment to the Ogoni dialogue, stating that focus will now shift toward the welfare of the people rather than solely oil extraction. He revealed that 30 Ogoni indigenes have been offered employment with NNPC, with appointments and resumption scheduled for January 2026, describing these developments as a model for a “new Nigeria.”
Responding, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, acknowledging that resolving decades-long challenges in Ogoniland required federal intervention. He noted that the East–West Road connecting Bonny and Bayelsa is now more accessible and safer for residents.
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