The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as responsible and effective leadership, noting that Rivers remains one of the most peaceful states in the country.

Ribadu also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is pleased with Governor Fubara’s leadership style and his handling of key state matters.

The NSA made this known during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday, where he led a presidential delegation that included the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

According to Ribadu, the delegation was in the state to reinforce ongoing peace-building efforts in Ogoniland, stressing that a new era of transformation is unfolding in the area.

He said the President specifically instructed him to convey his appreciation to Governor Fubara for his leadership and effective coordination of discussions surrounding the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni.

Ribadu also expressed the President’s gratitude to the people of Ogoni for their patience, cooperation, and support throughout the peace process.

The NSA further praised the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and for hosting the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as crucial to national unity, noting that President Tinubu has shown personal commitment to the welfare of Niger Delta communities.

Umahi assured that all sections of the East–West Road within the Niger Delta would be completed to standard. He disclosed that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the road in Ogoniland includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government in support of federal efforts.

He said the over ₦200 billion project is expected to be completed by April next year.

The minister also revealed that, with presidential approval, design work is underway to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its starting point to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers. He added that the President has ordered a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed that the Ogoni clean-up exercise remains a top priority for the ministry. He explained that projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are progressing steadily, including mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment initiatives.

Also speaking, NNPCL representative Bayo Ojulare said the national oil company is fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process, stressing that future engagements would prioritise the well-being of the people over oil production.

He disclosed that the employment process for 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPCL has reached an advanced stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026. He described the ongoing developments in Ogoniland as a model for a new Nigeria.

In his response, Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as a reflection of a leader who genuinely cares for Rivers State.

The governor acknowledged that resolving a crisis that persisted for over three decades in Ogoniland was challenging but noted that the President’s involvement has restored normalcy, allowing residents to travel freely along the East–West Road linking Bonny and Bayelsa.

Fubara emphasised that beyond infrastructure development, the federal government is rebuilding trust and confidence in the region. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and managing emerging conflicts, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of instability.

He added that compromise and cooperation are essential for sustainable development and appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage youths to allow oil facility operators access to repair faulty installations, in order to prevent fresh oil spills while environmental remediation continues.