President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently meeting with Ogoni leaders at the State House in Abuja. The meeting started around 2:37 pm after the President arrived.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, traditional rulers, clergy, and political leaders are present.
The discussions are expected to focus on restarting oil exploration in the Ogoni oil fields and reviewing the progress of the ongoing cleanup efforts.
The federal government has expressed concern about the long pause in oil exploration by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Ogoniland, which has affected the country’s economy, especially during the current energy crisis caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. Chief Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noted that the standoff has cost Nigeria significant GDP losses over the years.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, joined the meeting after it had started.
Other attendees include Senator Magnus Abe, Senator Lee Maeba, Olaka Nwogu, Chief Victor Giadom, Chief Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, and Leedom Mitee, among others.
Representing the government are National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information Idris Mohammed, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas, NNPC Group CEO Mele Kyari, and DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi.
