The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as responsible and effective leadership, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is pleased with the governor’s performance.
Ribadu noted that Rivers State is currently one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the calm to Governor Fubara’s leadership style and commitment to dialogue.
The NSA spoke on Monday when he led a presidential delegation on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. The delegation included the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to Ribadu, the visit was aimed at consolidating ongoing peace efforts in Ogoniland. He said a new chapter was unfolding in the area, stressing that Nigeria’s transformation would begin from communities long affected by conflict.
He disclosed that President Tinubu personally directed him to thank Governor Fubara for his coordination of discussions on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni, and also expressed appreciation to the people of Ogoni for their patience, support, and understanding.
Ribadu further praised the state government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and for accommodating the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, described the Ogoni Peace Initiative as strategic to Nigeria’s renewed unity, assuring that all sections of the East–West Road across the Niger Delta would be completed to standard.
Umahi disclosed that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road in Ogoniland includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government. He said the over ₦200 billion project is expected to be completed by April next year.
He also revealed that the President has approved the redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland, while plans are ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road and construct two additional flyovers.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the Ogoni clean-up project remains a top priority, noting steady progress in mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment initiatives recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Meanwhile, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulare, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Ogoni dialogue process, stating that the focus is now on the people rather than oil. He disclosed that appointment letters have been issued to 30 Ogoni indigenes employed by NNPCL, with resumption scheduled for January 2026.
In his response, Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as a demonstration of genuine love for Rivers State. He acknowledged that resolving a crisis that lasted over three decades in Ogoniland was not an easy task.
Fubara said the President’s actions have restored confidence in the region, enabling residents to move freely along the East–West Road connecting Bonny and Bayelsa. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining peace and managing emerging conflicts, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of crisis.
The governor also appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage youths to allow oil facility operators access for repairs, warning that failure to do so could lead to fresh oil spills while environmental restoration is ongoing.
