The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has praised Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as responsible and stabilising leadership, revealing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is pleased with the governor’s performance. Ribadu said Rivers State currently ranks among the most peaceful states in the country, crediting the calm atmosphere to Fubara’s leadership style.
Ribadu made the remarks on Monday while leading a high-powered presidential delegation on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. The delegation included the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to the NSA, the visit was aimed at consolidating ongoing peace efforts in Ogoniland, a region that has witnessed decades of tension linked to oil exploration and environmental concerns. He said a new chapter is unfolding in Ogoni, stressing that Nigeria is entering a transformative phase that is beginning from the area.
Ribadu disclosed that President Tinubu personally directed him to convey his appreciation to Governor Fubara, particularly for his coordination and maturity in discussions surrounding the planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland. He also thanked the Ogoni people for their patience, cooperation, and continued support for the peace process.
The NSA further commended the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and for hosting the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser, describing the gestures as strong indicators of commitment to regional development and security.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described the Ogoni Peace Initiative as strategic to Nigeria’s unity, noting that President Tinubu takes a personal interest in the welfare of Niger Delta communities. He assured that all sections of the East–West Road traversing the region would be completed to standard.
Umahi revealed that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road in Ogoniland includes five flyovers, with one being constructed by the Rivers State Government in support of the federal effort. He added that the over ₦200 billion project is scheduled for completion by April next year. He also disclosed that plans are underway, with presidential approval, to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road and construct two additional flyovers, while the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is being redesigned to pass through Ogoniland.
On his part, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Ogoni clean-up project. He said the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)-recommended remediation programme is progressing steadily, covering mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment initiatives.
Also speaking, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the national oil company remains fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process. He stressed that going forward, the focus would be on the people rather than oil. Ojulari announced that the employment process for 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPCL has reached its final stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026.
Responding, Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as the action of a leader who genuinely cares about Rivers State. He noted that resolving a crisis that lasted over three decades in Ogoniland was no small feat, but said the President’s involvement has brought renewed hope to the region.
Fubara said residents can now travel more freely along both ends of the East–West Road, linking Bonny and Bayelsa, adding that beyond infrastructure, the Tinubu administration is rebuilding trust and confidence in the Niger Delta. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining peace and managing emerging conflicts, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of instability.
The governor also called on Ogoni leaders to engage youths in supporting ongoing restoration efforts, urging them to allow oil facility operators access to repair faulty infrastructure to prevent fresh spills while environmental clean-up continues.
