FG Moves to Resume Oil Exploration Talks in Ogoniland
The Federal Government has moved to clear longstanding obstacles around the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, years after operations were halted due to tensions between host communities and oil companies.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Ribadu, to begin immediate engagements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Ogoni people, and other stakeholders to finalise plans for restarting oil production in the region.
The President gave the directive after receiving the report of the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Consultations, chaired by Professor Don Baridam, at the State House, Abuja. The Ogoni delegation was led by Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
In his remarks, Tinubu acknowledged the decades of struggle and deprivation faced by the Ogoni people, assuring that his administration was committed to ensuring a new beginning.
“We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. We recognise that, 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 is back with us,” the President said.
He further directed that discussions should prioritise dealing with “non-valuable assets, which are of no benefit to the community, the country, or its people,” as part of steps to rebuild trust and pave the way for oil exploration to resume.
The development comes months after Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) completed the $2.4 billion sale of its Nigerian onshore subsidiary to Renaissance Africa Energy in March 2025.
The deal transferred Shell’s onshore assets and interests in joint ventures to the new consortium, while Shell shifts focus to deepwater and gas assets.
It is expected that with the President’s directive, actions on the committee’s report will be expedited to resolve lingering disputes and lay the groundwork for the recommencement of oil activities in Ogoniland.
