President Bola Tinubu pledged peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland during talks to restart oil production, suspended since 1993 due to environmental concerns. The Nigerian government aims for inclusive dialogue and collaboration to address the region's challenges, focusing on economic growth and environmental restoration.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu met with leaders from Ogoniland in Abuja, reinforcing his commitment to justice, peace, and sustainable development in the region. The meeting marks the beginning of negotiations aimed at restarting oil production, which had ceased in 1993 due to environmental and social protests by the Ogoni people. In his address, Tinubu called for the Ogoni community to move past historical grievances and work collaboratively to address the region's challenges. He emphasized the need for mutual trust and inclusive dialogue to foster a cleaner environment and economic growth.
The President appointed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to oversee the negotiations, urging for continued consultations with all stakeholders involved. Tinubu expressed gratitude for the Ogoni leaders’ willingness to engage in the dialogue and pledged that his government would prioritize the region's development. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara also underscored the importance of resuming oil operations, promising to support the process in line with the President’s vision.
Despite several failed attempts in the past, the meeting signals hope for a renewed partnership between the Federal Government and Ogoniland. The presence of a diverse delegation, representing various interests within the community, is seen as a positive step toward finding lasting solutions to the area’s socio-economic issues. The government's new approach seeks to balance environmental protection with economic opportunity, a critical issue for the oil-rich region.
