Oil and Gas
Ogoni Re-entry is a Beacon of Reconciliation through Collaboration – NNPC Ltd
By Musa Aliyu, Abuja
The re-entry into Ogoniland marks a historic turning point for Nigeria — not just in terms of oil production, but more broadly, this milestone reflects the spirit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd quoted the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as saying this in a statement released in Abuja on Friday.
He said the government commits to building a stronger country, attracting responsible investment, and ensuring that community development is at the heart of national progress.
Speaking during the presentation of the Ogoni Consultations Report at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, President Tinubu acknowledged that the Ogoni people have endured long years of pain, and that this re-entry reflects the government’s recognition of their sacrifices.
“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…We declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us,” the President said.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, echoed the President’s sentiments, calling the development a re-affirmation of the company’s unwavering commitment to the Ogoni re-entry plan and a bold step towards justice, healing, and national prosperity.
He emphasized that the re-entry demonstrates that Nigeria can confront its past, honour the sacrifices of its communities, and forge a new path with a vision of prosperity and justice for all.
“The re-entry into Ogoniland is not just about oil and gas. It is about justice, healing, and charting a new future for our nation,” Ojulari said.
Continuing, Engr. Ojulari noted that “Ogoni re-entry can be seen as both a test and an opportunity for the country. It demonstrates that equity can exist in national development, and oil can co-exist with environmental stewardship and inclusive nation-building.
“This milestone is a practical example of how President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda translates into reality by strengthening our country, creating conditions for responsible investment, while prioritising the prosperity of host communities”.
Ojulari acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in convening a committee that brought diverse stakeholders together, creating the platform for dialogue and consensus that made this breakthrough possible.
He also praised the work of Professor Don Baridam and members of the Presidential Committee, who engaged tirelessly and transparently with all relevant parties to produce a report that tells a story of fairness and inclusivity that will ultimately bring closure and renew hope for the Ogoni people and all Nigerians.
“The lesson is that this journey cannot be driven solely by production volumes. It must be anchored on justice, equity, sustainability, and most importantly, collaboration with the very people whose land bears this wealth,” he stated.
To that end, Ojulari was categorical that in resuming operations in Ogoni, NNPC Ltd will continue to build trust by prioritising community engagements with key stakeholders, investing in infrastructure, and empowering local enterprise.
He confirmed that NNPC has already began initiatives in road construction, infrastructure upgrades, and economic empowerment programs designed to rebuild trust and demonstrate accountability in an inclusive manner. “NNPC Ltd is determined to transform Ogoniland from a symbol of conflict into a beacon of reconciliation, renewal, and sustainable progress,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, echoed the general sentiments that sustainable progress is possible and proven through collaboration with all parties concerned.
He said the report was the outcome of an intensive, methodical, and transparent engagement, while Professor Baridam, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the President for his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Ogoni people, stressing that through diplomacy and relentless insistence on dialogue, host community trust was earned, and hope restored.
“This restored hope is also a message for the international community— Ogoni re-entry is more than a Nigerian milestone. It is a classic example of how a resource-rich nation like Nigeria can reconcile environmental protection with energy security.
“By placing community benefit at the centre, Nigeria is rewriting the global playbook on how oil and gas operations can co-exist with local aspirations, sharing a global example of how energy development can be reconciled with environmental protection and community inclusion.
“For Nigeria, it signals progress is being redefined as a partnership between government, industry, and the people”.
By Aliyu Musa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has emphasised that forging strategic partnerships remains vital to unlocking value, achieving sustainability, and advancing commercialisation within the nation’s downstream petroleum sector.
Group CEO, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mr. Mumuni Dagazau, disclosed this in an address during the 2025 Inaugural Annual Downstream Petroleum Week, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).
Describing Nigeria’s downstream landscape as one shaped by transition, opportunity, and strategic reform, Ojulari stressed the importance of collaboration as a yardstick to a sustainable energy future.
He noted that Africa’s energy demand is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with Nigeria at the forefront. This, he said, calls for coordinated efforts and collective responsibility to harness emerging opportunities and ensure inclusive, long-term sectoral growth.
On the domestic front, he reaffirmed NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to ensuring consistent fuel availability, competitive pricing, and uncompromising quality assurance across all its retail networks nationwide.
“The opportunity to create sustainable economy for today and the future is hinged on supply partnership, infrastructure co-investments, security partnerships, host community cooperation and operational alliances.
“Everyone needs to get involved in the activities that will ultimately create a sustainably promising future for Nigeria,” he said.
Ojulari also commended the National Assembly and the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) for convening the strategic forum, assuring that, as a commercial and national energy entity, NNPC Ltd. remains committed to fostering stakeholder engagement and advancing collaborative models for sector-wide growth.
The event, held at the National Assembly Complex, with the theme “Celebrating Our Successes, Confronting Our Challenges, and Finding Solutions for the Petroleum Downstream Sector,” had in attendance downstream sector players and legislators.
By Saint Mugaga
The House of Representatives Wednesday urged oil and gas companies operating in Imo state to urgently comply with the provisions of Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGICD) Act 2010 regarding indigenous employment, contracts awards and establishment of operational offices.
The companies are: Seplat Energy Plc: – OML 53, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR): – OML 54, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), WalterSmith Petroman Oil Limited: – OML 16 and Associate Oil & Gas Limited/Dansaki Petroleum Limited (A Consortium): Umuseti/Igwe marginal field.
The rest are Chorus Energy Limited (Formerly Shell Portfolio), TotalEnergies / NNPC Joint Venture and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited.
This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Chike Okafor (APC, Imo) titled “Flagrant abuse of due process and infringement of local content, disobedience to Petroleum Industry Act and non compliance with tax laws by oil and gas companies operating on Imo state at the plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
In adopting the motion, the House asked the companies to grant unfettered access to officials of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service for the performance of their lawful duties.
The House also mandated the Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring to invite the Chief Executives of the seven (7) concerned Oil Companies, the Chief Executives of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Chairman of Imo State Internal Revenue Service for questioning.
It also mandated the Committees on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, Corporate Social Responsibility, Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Finance, and Justice to investigate the specific allegations of violations of the NOGICD Act 2010, PIA 2021, and Taxes and Levies Act by all Oil and Gas Companies operating in Imo State and the status of implementation of the Host Community Development Trusts in Imo State and report within four (4) legislative weeks.
While presenting the motion, Hon. Okafor noted that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010 was enacted to promote the utilisation of Nigerian human and material resources, and the participation of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas industry.
He also noted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 provides a robust legal and regulatory framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, including specific provisions for host community development, environmental management, and equitable benefit sharing.
“Aware that the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, authorizes State Governments to collect certain taxes and levies from businesses operating within their territories, which is crucial for funding state infrastructure and social services;
“Further notes that several International and Indigenous Oil Companies (IOCs) operating oil and gas fields within the oil-producing communities of Imo State, notably in Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and other LGAs as hosts, namely:
“Also Aware of persistent outcry and allegations from host communities and state Government regarding the: failure to establish functional operational offices within their areas of operation in Imo State as mandated by Section 3(j) of the NOGICD Act, 2010, thereby denying the state, valuable economic activity and employment;
“Systematic failure of these companies to prioritise the employment of qualified indigenes of Imo State, in direct violation of Sections 11, 28, and 35 of the NOGICD Act, 2010; refusal to award contracts to competent Nigerian companies, especially those from the host communities, for goods and services.
“Obstruction of lawful efforts by the Imo State Government and Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) to access their premises for assessment and collection of legally approved state taxes and levies.
“Non-compliance with the Host Communities Development Trust provisions under Chapter 3 of the PIA, 2021, leading to a lack of tangible benefits and development in these communities.
“Concerned that these acts of non-compliance have led to immense frustration, widespread agitations, and a palpable threat of social unrest within the host communities.
“Also concerned that the continued neglect and infringement of these laws, if not urgently addressed, may lead to violent protests that could threaten national security, destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure, disrupting production and harming the national economy and a breakdown of law and order in the oil-producing regions of Imo State”.
The House of Representatives is to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abandoned $35 million modular refinery project in Brass, Bayelsa State, despite huge financial commitments made four years ago to the initiative.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Billy Osawaru at Wednesday’s plenary.
In his motion titled “Need to Investigate the Abandoned $35 Million Modular Refinery Project in Brass, Bayelsa State, Four Years After Huge Financial Commitments to That Effect,” Osawaru expressed concern that the project, funded by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has remained moribund with no visible progress since its inception.
The lawmaker noted that in 2020, the NCDMB invested the sum of $35 million (over ₦50 billion) in Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited a modular refinery proposed to be sited in Brass, Bayelsa State as part of efforts to boost indigenous refining capacity and reduce pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange.
“Despite this huge investment of $35 million dollars which is more than N50 billion and enough to fund fundamental components of the national budget, the proposed modular refinery that was to be known as Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited was never setup. Nothing is on ground to show that huge financial commitments had been made.
“This honorable House had initiated a patriotic love to unravel the mystery behind this wastage by mandating the relevant committee to investigate this monumental economic sabotage; and that despite this, nothing has been heard in respect of the subject matter”.
Osawaru recalled that the House had earlier mandated relevant committees to investigate the issue but said no update had been received, adding that a petition was also submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in May 2024 seeking a probe into NCDMB’s multi-million dollar investments, including the Brass refinery project — yet no action has been taken.
“In May 2024, a stakeholder submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) urging the anti-graft organisation to probe the multi-million dollar investments made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) among which was the Atlantic Refinery project; and that despite this noble move by the said stakeholder, nothing has been heard about this profound national waste almost a year ago”.
He lamented, however, that despite the massive investment, “Nothing is on ground to show that such a huge financial commitment was ever made.
“The continued inactivity of the Brass modular refinery project raises significant questions about the management of public funds and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in Nigeria,” he said.
The lawmaker emphasized that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda identifies indigenous refining as a key driver of energy independence, job creation, and industrial revitalisation. He stressed that the failure of such a major investment undermines national goals for energy security and economic sustainability.
Adopting the motion, the House resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the $35 million investment in the abandoned modular refinery and report back within four weeks.
The investigation, lawmakers said, would help unravel the reasons behind the non-execution of the project and ensure accountability in the management of public funds meant for national development.
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