PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES OGONI CONSULTATION REPORT, HONOURS OGONI FOUR POSTHUMOUSLY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to immediately engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Ogoni people, and other key stakeholders to finalise the modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The directive followed the presentation of the report of the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Consultations, chaired by Professor Don Baridam, at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday. The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, led the Ogoni delegation to the event.

On the occasion, President Tinubu conferred posthumous national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on four Ogoni sons—Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Bade, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage—for their sacrifice in the struggle to protect Ogoni land. Earlier in June, the President had also honoured Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists, executed under the Abacha military regime.

Commending the committee for its dedication and wisdom, President Tinubu urged the Ogoni people to embrace dialogue and unity, assuring them that the Federal Government would remain committed to safeguarding their environment.

> “We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. Otherwise, we would not be here today. The Federal Government truly acknowledges the long suffering of the Ogoni people, and today, we declare with conviction that hope is here, and hope is back with us,” the President said.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of the Ogoni people in their pursuit of justice and directed the Minister of Environment and the NSA to integrate their programmes into the broader dialogue and implementation process.

> “Accordingly, I am directing the National Security Adviser to commence immediate engagement between the Ogoni people, NNPCL, and all stakeholders to finalise modalities for renewed operations. We must start by addressing non-valuable assets, which are of no benefit to the community, the country, or its people,” he added.

The President further urged the Ogoni people to put past grievances behind them and embrace reconciliation, stressing that the resumption of oil production would be anchored on equity, environmental protection, and direct community benefit.

Governor Fubara, in his remarks, noted that confidence-building steps taken by the President had already produced visible results, including improvements on the East-West Road and the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology.

NSA Ribadu confirmed that President Tinubu had earlier approved measures to build trust, such as constituting the University’s Governing Council and advancing work on key projects, which helped ease tensions and foster collective agreement among stakeholders.

> “All through the process, tensions and divisions were carefully mediated, and dialogue prevailed over confrontation. The report we present today is the outcome of intensive, methodical, and transparent consultations,” Ribadu said.

He added that stakeholders unanimously called for repositioning the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to align with the dialogue process and environmental restoration efforts, while also ensuring structured community participation through equity development funds, employment opportunities, and institutional representation.

Professor Baridam, Chairman of the Committee, expressed gratitude to the President for his commitment to the Ogoni cause, noting that his support had restored trust and hope. He also commended the recognition given in June to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, describing it as a landmark gesture honouring their sacrifices for justice and human rights.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
September 24, 2025