President Bola Tinubu is currently in a closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and leaders from Ogoniland representing four local government areas in the state.
The meeting, held at the State House Council Chamber, followed the arrival of Fubara and the Ogoni delegation earlier in the day.
Notably, the official vehicle of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, was seen arriving at the Villa around 2:45 pm.
Fubara’s delegation includes prominent figures such as Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Leedom Mitee, Bennett Birabi, Barry Mpigi, and Prof. B. Fakae, among others.
Other key officials in attendance are National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas, and Group CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Mele Kyari.
While the specific agenda of the meeting has not been disclosed, it is widely believed to address the Ogoni clean-up project and the potential resumption of oil exploration in the region. The Federal Government has previously raised concerns about the prolonged suspension of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has expressed concerns over the conflicts that led to the suspension of oil exploration and exploitation in Ogoniland.
He also noted that the ongoing standoff has contributed to the nation’s growing energy crisis, which was exacerbated by the removal of oil subsidies, depriving Nigeria of crucial contributions to its GDP.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations has demanded $1 trillion from the Federal Government for the clean-up of the Niger Delta and compensation for the loss of livelihoods before oil production resumes in Ogoniland.
The coalition, which includes Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, criticized the government’s reported plans to restart oil production in the region, accusing it of neglecting environmental justice.
The group also referenced the 2011 UNEP report, which highlighted severe environmental degradation in Ogoniland caused by oil activities, including extensive pollution of land, water, and air.
Further details of the ongoing meeting and its outcome are expected in due course.
