THE National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has said President Bola Tinubu is satisfied with the leadership of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing the state as one of the most peaceful in the country.
Ribadu made the remark during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, where he led a presidential delegation that included the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
He explained that the delegation was in Rivers State to reinforce ongoing peace-building efforts in Ogoniland, noting that the area is entering a new phase of transformation.
According to Ribadu, President Tinubu personally directed him to convey his appreciation to Governor Fubara, expressing satisfaction with his leadership approach and coordination, particularly regarding discussions on the resumption of oil exploration activities in Ogoni.
He also extended the President’s gratitude to the people of Ogoni for their patience, cooperation, and support throughout the peace process.
The NSA commended the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and hosting the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Speaking further, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as critical to Nigeria’s renewed unity, stressing that the President places high importance on the welfare of Niger Delta communities.
Umahi assured that all sections of the East–West Road within the Niger Delta would be completed to standard.
He revealed that the 15-kilometre Eleme stretch in Ogoniland includes five flyovers, one of which is being handled by the Rivers State Government, and added that the over ₦200 billion project is expected to be completed by April next year.
He also revealed that, with presidential approval, plans are underway to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its starting point to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers. In addition, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway has been redesigned to pass through Ogoniland.
The Minister of Environment reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Ogoni clean-up project, stating that initiatives recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are progressing steadily.
These include mangrove restoration, healthcare services, human capital development, and women empowerment programmes.
NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the company remains fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process, stressing that future engagements will prioritise the people over oil operations.
He disclosed that the recruitment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPC is nearing completion, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026.
Ojulari described the developments in Ogoni as a blueprint for a new Nigeria.
In his response, Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as a clear demonstration of genuine concern for Rivers State.
He acknowledged that resolving a crisis that spanned more than three decades in Ogoniland was challenging but noted that the President’s involvement has made significant progress possible.
The governor said residents can now move more freely along key sections of the East–West Road connecting Bonny and Bayelsa, adding that beyond infrastructure, the Federal Government is restoring confidence in the region.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining peace and managing emerging conflicts, stressing that meaningful development cannot take place in an atmosphere of instability.
He also urged Ogoni leaders to engage youths to allow oil facility operators access for equipment repairs, in order to prevent further spills while environmental remediation continues.