The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and responsible energy development in Ogoni land, announcing plans to resume exploration and provide full-time employment to 30 indigenes.
Group chief executive, Bashir Ojulari, made the announcement during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoni in Rivers State on Monday.
“This visit is a demonstration of hope. It affirms the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to peace, dialogue, and rebuilding trust. For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning—one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” Ojulari said.
Acknowledging the region’s painful history, Ojulari stressed that recognising the past was essential to building a different future. He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for their role in building confidence and trust.
Ojulari said NNPC’s mission in Ogoni land went beyond resource extraction. “We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he added.
He confirmed that employment offers had already been issued to 30 Ogoni indigenes, who will resume work in January 2026. “We look forward with pride to welcoming them, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for our communities,” he said.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to finding lasting solutions in Ogoniland. “We had our first meeting with Mr. President, and certain commitments were made to improve the quality of life in Ogoniland. He has begun to fulfill those promises, starting with road construction… As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd,” he said.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu, praised the cooperation of stakeholders. “We have worked as one, and we are here today because of the Ogoni people, to thank them on behalf of Nigeria. Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country, and that’s largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland,” Ribadu said.
OML 11, located within Ogoni and operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), holds more than 40% of Nigeria’s recoverable onshore reserves, making it the country’s largest onshore block. The block extends to some parts of Abia State.
Exploration and production activities were suspended on the Ogoni side of the block since the 1990s because of environmental and social disputes. Shell, the former operator, ceased production in the areas following community unrest.
The conventional oil field, which also contains significant gas reserves, reached peak production in 1976. It has recovered more than 93% of its total reserves, with production expected to continue until around 2047.
Currently, OML 11 accounts for about 2% of Nigeria’s daily oil output. It also hosts the Asaramatoru field, which has proven reserves and was producing as recently as 2018.