NSA Nuhu Ribadu commends Rivers Governor Fubara for leadership in Ogoni peace process, infrastructure projects, and regional development initiatives
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has praised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his responsible leadership, describing the state as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria.
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The remarks were made on Monday in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit by a presidential delegation to the Rivers State Government House.
The delegation included the Ministers of Works, David Umahi, Environment, Balarabe Lawal, and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited. Ribadu said the visit aimed to consolidate ongoing peace efforts in Ogoni land.
He highlighted that a new chapter was unfolding in Ogoni, adding that Nigeria “will no longer be what it used to be,” with transformation beginning in the region.
Ribadu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s satisfaction with Fubara’s leadership and coordination of discussions on resuming oil exploration in Ogoni. The NSA also expressed gratitude to Ogoni residents for their patience and cooperation.
Ribadu 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.
Minister of Works David Umahi described the Ogoni peace initiative as strategic for Nigeria’s unity and assured that all sections of the East–West Road affecting the Niger Delta would be completed to standard.
He revealed that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road includes five flyovers, with one under construction by the Rivers State Government, and that the ₦200 billion project is scheduled for completion in April 2026.
Umahi further disclosed that designs are ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road and to redesign the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland, following presidential approval.
Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal confirmed that the Ogoni clean-up project remains a priority, with initiatives recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme progressing well, including mangrove restoration, healthcare, human capital development, and women empowerment projects.
NNPCL’s Bayo Ojulare emphasised the company’s commitment to the Ogoni dialogue process, noting that future focus will be on the people rather than oil. He added that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes is finalised, with resumption scheduled for January 2026.
Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as a reflection of a leader genuinely committed to Rivers State. He highlighted that resolving the decades-long crisis in Ogoniland was challenging but that residents can now navigate the East–West Road connecting Bonny and Bayelsa with ease.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the peace process and managing emerging conflicts, stressing that sustainable development requires adjustments and compromises.
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He appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage youths to facilitate oil facility repairs and prevent fresh spills during environmental restoration.
